Homeland security cannot be put on hold for diplomatic concerns. We don't need permission from any other nation as to how best to protect our communities.

Given what illegal immigration costs each year, given that 30 percent of inmates in our federal prisons are illegal aliens and given the strain illegal immigration puts on our health care, it's a small price to pay.

Congressman Hunter is a close friend of Mr. Cunningham's, and friends don't abandon each other during times of difficulty.

The fence in itself is a force multiplier. It allows Border Patrol agents to refocus their attention to other areas because it won't require as many Border Patrol agents to monitor a location as it would without a fence.

Hunter has for a long time been a proponent of the need to improve our submarine capabilities. Hunter saw the value in the Groton sub base.

This is going to be my last year. I hope to get a little experience in the field.