Wow, this is great news. Arizona has been pushing hard for National Guard troops and the White House has finally agreed to allow it. It’s about time is all I have to say.
I am not sure what will be purchased with the 500 million dollars, and I am sure that money will mostly go to this NG deployment. Although we might see an emphasis again on building a substantial wall or fence on the border. If that is the case, I am sure a contractor or two will be tasked with building that thing. If they do start building the fence, I am sure they will also build a couple of camps out in the remote areas so they can support that effort. –Matt
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1,200 National Guard troops to be deployed to border
5/25/2010
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords Tuesday announced the White House has agreed to her requests to deploy National Guard troops to the U.S. border with Mexico.Giffords called for the Guard’s deployment immediately after the March 27, 2010, murder of Cochise County rancher Rob Krentz.
Giffords also says in a statement Tuesday that President Barack Obama will request $500 million in funding for border security.
In 2006, President George W. Bush sent thousands of troops to the border to perform support duties that tie up immigration agents. The troops wouldn’t perform significant law enforcement duties.
That program has since ended, and politicians in border states have called for troops to be sent there to curb human and drug smuggling and prevent Mexico’s drug violence from spilling over into the United States.
Story here.
What is the significance of the 1200 figure?
Look-see pidgin to fool the rubes. The headcount is less important than the capabilities the reinforcements bring to the fight. Last time the NG was deployed on the border they weren't even armed.
Comment by Cannoneer No. 4 — Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 12:19 PM
Key words here are Gabrielle Giffords and reelection
Comment by Kevin — Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 11:42 PM