On Tuesday, a House Homeland Security Subcommittee held a hearing focusing on border and maritime security challenges and metrics for measuring progress. In remarks, U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Fisher said there should be a 90% effectiveness rate for border apprehensions in areas of significant illegal activity. In regards to the March 1st automatic spending cuts known as sequestration, Fisher noted that the border patrol will have reduced capability.
Others testifying included Customs & Border Protection Assistant Commissioner Kevin McAleenan, Rear Admiral William Lee of the U.S. Coast Guard along with officials from the Government Accountability Office and the Congressional Research Service. Rep. Candice Miller of Michigan chairs this subcommittee hearing.