Steinborn tackles terrorism, border security

When he was campaigning last year to become the next representative of District 37 in the state House of Representatives, Democrat Jeff Steinborn promised to help improve security along New Mexico’s border with Mexico and combat terrorism.

As that district’s new representative, Steinborn introduced four bills this week aimed at helping him keep that promise.

House Bill 653 aims to strengthen New Mexico’s antiterrorism act by further defining acts of terrorism that are prohibited and increasing penalties for such acts. Under the proposal, anyone who practices or teaches a broad range of terrorism techniques defined in the bill is guilty of a third-degree felony punishable by up the three years in prison. Anyone who commits an act of terrorism is guilty of a first-degree felony punishable by up to 18 years in prison.

House Bill 633 would appropriate $1 million to the New Mexico Department of Public Safety for distribution to police agencies that operate along the border, to be used for border-security projects.

House Joint Memorial 26 would create a legislative interim committee focused on border security and issues that would study the situation and make recommendations to the Legislature by Jan. 1, 2009.

House Memorial 15 would call on the U.S. Congress to create a national immigrant worker program.

“I am joining Governor Richardson and others to help New Mexico take a big step forward in helping to make our state and country more secure,” Steinborn said.

He said the interim committee proposal is especially important.

“I’m calling on my colleagues in the Legislature to join together to establish a border security and border affairs interim committee that will allow us to take a truly comprehensive approach to border affairs, as it affects not just security, but also commerce, health and the environment,” he said. “Our border is a unique region that has complex issues to consider. This committee would be a great tool in doing that.”