President Signs the Border Tunnel Prevention Act

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney

Statement by the Press Secretary

On June 5, the President signed the Border Tunnel Prevention Act of 2012, which builds on past efforts to criminalize the construction or financing of unauthorized tunnels across an international border. The Administration appreciates the leadership of Congressman Silvestre Reyes and Senator Feinstein, which led to the passage of the bill. Today’s bill signing is one more step in the Obama Administration’s efforts to strengthen our nation’s border security to deter and prevent smuggling, trafficking, and illegal immigration, while safeguarding and encouraging the efficient flow of lawful trade, travel, and immigration.

Over the last three and a half years, this Administration has dedicated unprecedented resources to our borders with real and significant results.  Our borders are more secure than ever. We have nearly doubled the number of Border Patrol agents since 2004, Department of Homeland Security unmanned aerial capabilities now cover the Southwest border from California to Texas for the first time ever, and apprehensions along that border reflect far fewer attempts to cross illegally while seizures of illegal currency, drugs, and guns are dramatically up – leading to increased criminal arrests and prosecutions. Today, the Department of Homeland Security released the first unified Northern Border Strategy that provides a framework to enhance security and resiliency while expediting lawful travel and trade.

Statement by the Press Secretary on the 2012 National Level Exercise 

On June 5, President Obama participated in the 2012 National Level Exercise (NLE), sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a part of its mandate to regularly test and evaluate our ability to respond to and recover from catastrophic events.   

The exercise examined challenges related to managing a cyber-incident involving physical impacts on our nation’s critical infrastructure. As a part of this exercise, the President hosted a Cabinet meeting to discuss with his leadership team the time-sensitive decisions that would have to be made if a significant cyber event affected critical infrastructure systems.

The NLE is an important tool in the government’s efforts to protect the United States in the event of a cyber-incident affecting our critical infrastructure. An increase in reported cyber intrusions into our nation’s critical infrastructure networks shows that these systems are not being adequately protected.  Last May, the Administration sent a legislative proposal to the Congress that would give the Federal government and private sector new tools to ensure our most vital critical infrastructure systems are properly secured. The Senate is now considering legislation that would build on the Administration’s proposal to protect critical infrastructure.  As President Obama said in his State of the Union address, we need Congress to pass legislation to secure the nation from the growing danger of cyber threats, while safeguarding the privacy and civil liberties of our citizens. The American people expect their government to ensure the cyber security of the critical infrastructure upon which so much of our national security, economic well-being, and daily lives depend.