In a victory for border security efforts, H.R. 4209, the DHS Illicit Cross-Border Tunnel Defense Act, introduced by Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11), passed the House of Representatives on Tuesday. Congressman Pfluger, the Ranking Member on the Homeland Security Intelligence and Counterterrorism Subcommittee, released a statement following passage of the bill:

“In addition to the record number of illegal migrant encounters along our southern border, increasing quantities of illegal narcotics—especially methamphetamine, fentanyl, and other fentanyl-laced drugs  are pouring into our country. Many of these drugs are trafficked by the cartel through sophisticated cross-border tunnels beneath the U.S.-Mexico border. My bill will make sure Customs and Border Protection (CBP) develops a plan and has access to the tools and resources they need to destroy the tunnels and prevent these dangerous drugs from entering our communities.

“This is a good step in the right direction, but we have a long way to go in the fight to secure our border. I am proud to see this bill pass the House today, look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to send this measure to the President’s desk.”