OBP005421

From: GIDDENS, GREGORY

To: (b) (6) ; COLBURN, RONALD S; VITIELLO, RONALD D; (b)
(6)
Subject: Re: Advisory: CORNYN TO HOST MEETING ON BORDER ISSUES IN VALLEY
Date: Thursday, May 10, 2007 7:05:47 PM

We need to ensure Hill is aware of Arivaca town hall type mtg on 15 May....

Greg G

----- Original Message -----

From: (b) (6)
To: (b) (6) ; COLBURN, RONALD S; VITIELLO, RONALD D; (b) (6)

Sent: Thu May 10 18:05:14 2007

Subject: FW: Advisory: CORNYN TO HOST MEETING ON BORDER ISSUES IN VALLEY

this media advisor went out today-- FYI

(b) (6)
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Special Advisor to the Commissioner

(b) (6) (desk)

(b) (6) (mobile)

________________________________

From: (b) (6)

Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2007 4:51 PM
To: (b) (6)
Subject: FW: Advisory: CORNYN TO HOST MEETING ON BORDER ISSUES IN VALLEY

(b) :
(6)

Just went out. Thanks, (b)

(6)

________________________________

From: Drogin, John (Cornyn)

Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2007 3:49 PM
Subject: Advisory: CORNYN TO HOST MEETING ON BORDER ISSUES IN VALLEY

**MEDIA ADVISORY**
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JOHN CORNYN

United States Senator – Texas

CONTACT: Brian Walsh, (202) 224-0704

John Drogin, (202) 224-0703

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, May 10, 2007

CORNYN TO HOST MEETING ON BORDER ISSUES IN VALLEY

Will strengthen consultation process between local and federal officials; Sen. Cornyn will also announce
Carrizo cane proposal

WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, ranking member of the Immigration, Border Security and
Refugees subcommittee, will be in Brownsville on Saturday, May 12 to host a meeting with Texas
border leaders and federal officials to discuss border issues.

Sen. Cornyn will also announce his plans to enhance federal efforts to eradicate or control Carrizo cane
along the river border with Mexico. This proposal will provide numerous benefits, including water
conservation, enhanced border security and other advantages. If implemented, the proposal could affect
siting of some border fencing and barriers.

Following concerns about inadequate consultation by federal officials, the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) promised increased discussions with local officials on border security and fencing. Sen.
Cornyn is convening this meeting to strengthen the consultation process.

At Sen. Cornyn’s request, several ranking federal officials will be on hand to listen to the concerns of
local leaders, elected officials, landowners and other stakeholders. The federal officials include incoming
Deputy Chief of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Ron Colburn; IBWC Commissioner Carlos
Marin; and the Special Advisor to CBP Commissioner Ralph Basham.

“As we move to secure the border and reform our immigration system, we have to do it in the most
intelligent and effective way possible,” Sen. Cornyn said. “There is no substitute for advice from those
who live on the border year-round. The Carrizo cane idea is a perfect example—it has been pushed for
months by Mayor Chad Foster of Eagle Pass and others. I look forward to working with U.S. Rep. Henry
Cuellar to move it forward. DHS is looking for more such input on how to upgrade our security in the
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least disruptive and most productive manner.”

On a related note, the Senate will soon resume consideration of efforts to secure the nation’s borders
and repair its immigration system. Sen. Cornyn said this Congress has the responsibility to resolve one
of the most urgent issues facing our nation. He said he will continue doing all he can to pass a
balanced, common sense bill that restores respect for the rule of law and protects our economy.

WHAT: U.S. Sen. John Cornyn to host meeting with border leaders, local
landowners and stakeholders and federal officials to discuss border issues; Available for media
interviews

WHEN: Saturday, May 12

Meeting: 1:30 p.m.

Media avail: 2:15 p.m.

WHERE: Cameron County Veteran’s International Bridge

Cameron County Administrative Offices

3310 South Expressway

Brownsville, Texas 78520

Sen. Cornyn serves on the Armed Services, Judiciary and Budget Committees. In addition, he is Vice
Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference and the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. He serves
as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration, Border Security and Refugees
subcommittee and the Armed Services Committee’s Airland subcommittee. He served previously as
Texas Attorney General, Texas Supreme Court Justice and Bexar County District Judge.

-30-

www.cornyn.senate.gov