[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 705 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

<DOC>






118th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 705

 Recognizing May 28, 2024, as the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Border 
  Patrol and commending the service of the U.S. Border Patrol to the 
                         United States people.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                              May 23, 2024

Mr. Cornyn (for himself, Mr. Cruz, Ms. Sinema, Mr. Tester, Mr. Tillis, 
   Mr. Risch, Mr. Crapo, Mr. Cramer, Mr. Lankford, Mr. Manchin, Mr. 
   Daines, Ms. Collins, Mr. Kelly, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. King, Ms. Cortez 
Masto, Mr. Graham, Mr. Scott of Florida, Mr. Hoeven, Mr. Budd, and Mr. 
 Peters) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
        Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Recognizing May 28, 2024, as the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Border 
  Patrol and commending the service of the U.S. Border Patrol to the 
                         United States people.

Whereas the Mounted Guard was assigned to the Immigration Service under the 
        Department of Commerce and Labor from 1904 to 1924;
Whereas the founding members of this Mounted Guard included Texas Rangers, 
        sheriffs, and deputized cowboys who patrolled the Texas frontier looking 
        for smugglers, rustlers, and people illegally entering the United 
        States;
Whereas, following the Department of Labor Appropriation Act of May 28, 1924, 
        the Border Patrol was established within the Bureau of Immigration, with 
        an initial force of 450 patrol inspectors, an annual budget of 
        $1,000,000, and $1,300 in annual pay for each patrol inspector, with 
        each patrolman furnishing his own horse;
Whereas changes regarding illegal immigration and increases of contraband 
        alcohol traffic brought about the need for this young patrol force to 
        have formal training in border enforcement;
Whereas, during the U.S. Border Patrol's 100-year history, Border Patrol agents 
        have been deputized as United States Marshals on numerous occasions;
Whereas the U.S. Border Patrol's highly trained and motivated personnel have 
        also assisted in controlling civil disturbances, performing national 
        security details, aided in foreign training and assessments, and 
        responded with security and humanitarian assistance in the aftermath of 
        numerous natural disasters;
Whereas the present force of over 19,000 agents and 3,000 professional staff, 
        located in 129 stations and 35 permanent checkpoints under 22 sectors, 
        is responsible for protecting more than 8,000 miles of international 
        land and water boundaries;
Whereas the U.S. Border Patrol has also been assigned additional interdiction 
        duties, and is the primary agency responsible for drug interdiction 
        between ports of entry;
Whereas Border Patrol agents have a dual role of protecting the borders and 
        enforcing immigration laws in a fair and humane manner; and
Whereas the U.S. Border Patrol has a historic mission of firm commitment to the 
        enforcement of immigration laws, but also one fraught with danger, as 
        illustrated by the fact that 155 Border Patrol agents and pilots have 
        lost their lives in the line of duty: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) recognizes the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Border 
        Patrol on May 28, 2024;
            (2) applauds the significant achievements of the U.S. 
        Border Patrol;
            (3) commends the tens of thousands of men and women who 
        have served in the ranks of the U.S. Border Patrol;
            (4) remembers the 155 agents and pilots who have lost their 
        lives in the performance of their duties; and
            (5) offers its support for policies to improve the working 
        conditions, hiring processes, and retention of Border Patrol 
        agents.
                                 <all>