Congress cuts funds for border fence

One of the ways Congress found to trim spending in response to a demand by President Bush was to slash funding for the proposed fence at certain locations along the U.S.-Mexican border. Instead of the two-tier fencing called for in a 2006 law, the barrier apparently will consist of only one layer of protection.

As usual in immigration matters, the change cannot be blamed entirely on Republicans or Democrats. It appears that leaders in both parties went along with the reduction in funding.

It is a puzzle to us why members of Congress suddenly went deaf when Americans joined voices to demand enforcement of immigration laws. On both sides of the political aisle, lawmakers have been reluctant to do anything about the problem.

We are among those not entirely convinced that a border fence will keep illegal immigrants out of the United States. But, for a time at least, it appeared that Congress was willing to at least use that tool against the influx of illegal aliens. Once again, lawmakers as a body have gone back on their pledges.