Republican Jesse Kelly, who hopes to unseat Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in Congressional District 8, released a new TV ad today.
Kelly says:
We need to stop talking and take action to secure the border immediately. Giffords has betrayed the residents of Southern Arizona by failing to support effective border security measures. I have been endorsed by the National Border Patrol Council and Sheriffs Paul Babeu (Pinal County) and Larry Dever (Cochise County) because I offer strong and consistent solutions for securing the border.
Team Giffords responds:
Gabrielle Giffords has been an aggressive advocate of securing our border. Earlier this summer she pushed for $600 million in tough border security funding, which was signed into law in August. She was one of the first to call for deployment of National Guard on the border following the tragic murder of rancher Rob Krentz in March. She has voted for increased border security time and time again, and that's why she has won the support of many prominent ranchers who live on the border. Kelly's false charge that Giffords voted against funding is ridiculous. The measure he refers to would have eliminated funding for high tech equipment that the Border Patrol needs and that has proven highly effective in tracking and apprehending smugglers. Gabrielle Giffords will not vote to eliminate funding for the Border Patrol—no matter how much pressure comes from Washington, DC. Below is a list of actions Giffords has taken on border security and illegal immigration.Border Security
In September 2010, Congresswoman Giffords pushed for new penalties on drug cartels' use of ultralight aircraft to smuggle drugs into our country. These aircraft fly over the border fence. They are able to fly over a double or triple layer fence as well. Her bill passed the House by a vote of 412 - 3.
In August 2010, Congresswoman Giffords successfully pushed for $600 million in new border security funding. It passed both the House and Senate and was signed into law by the President.
In July 2010, Congresswoman Giffords publicly criticized two federal agencies for canceling conferences in Arizona as a result of SB 1070.
In March 2009, Congresswoman Giffords sent a letter with Congressman Jeff Flake (R-AZ)
to President Obama supporting comprehensive immigration reform and securing the border.
Congresswoman Giffords joined Congressman Sam Johnson (R-TX) in sponsoring the New Employee Verification Act that proposes changes to E-Verify to make it a more reliable, effective and balanced employee verification system.
In spring 2010, Congresswoman Giffords joined Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX) in calling for the immediate deployment of the National Guard to the U.S.-Mexico border. She also introduced a resolution with him recognizing the increasing violence along the southern border.
Congresswoman Giffords voted to grant TSA additional authority to issue an emergency regulation to respond to an imminent threat.
(June 4, 2009)
Congresswoman Giffords voted to bar the use of funds to employ illegal immigrants.
(June 24, 2009)
Congresswoman Giffords voted to increase funding by $50 million for the E-Verify program, which allows employers to check the immigration status of potential hires.
(June 24, 2009)
Congresswoman Giffords voted to require the IRS to toughen enforcement against illegal immigrants, including denial of the Earned Income Tax Credit.
(April 15, 2008)
Congresswoman Giffords voted to require affordable-housing beneficiaries to show proof of legal residency. (September 18, 2007)
Congresswoman Giffords voted to bar funds to employ illegal immigrants. (September 6, 2007)
Congresswoman Giffords voted to prohibit rental-housing assistance to illegal immigrants.
(August 2, 2007)
Congresswoman Giffords voted to increase funds for law enforcement against illegal immigrants.
(July 26, 2007)
Congresswoman Giffords voted to bar funds for the Social Security Administration to administer benefit payments in any agreement with Mexico.
(July 19, 2007)
Congresswoman Giffords voted to require tenants in Section 8 housing to show proof of legal residency.
(July 12, 2007)
Congresswoman Giffords voted to bar funds to state or local governments that refuse to share information on immigrant status with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Bureau.
(June 15, 2007)
Congresswoman Giffords voted to bar federal housing banks from processing mortgages to an individual without a valid Social Security number.
(May 22, 2007)
Congresswoman Giffords voted to require owners or renters in affordable-housing residences to prove their legal residency.
(May 22, 2007)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlAEml6NqpM&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUKTJrGgCyY
