WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM), issued the following statement today following passage of The Ultralight Aircraft Smuggling Prevention Act of 2012 in the U.S. House, sponsored by Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.):
"I've been honored to work alongside my friend, Gabby Giffords since she was first elected to the House in 2006. Today, her perseverance and courage inspires us all and represents the very best of our nation. I'm equally honored to have worked with Gabby on her final legislative act as a member of this Congress - a bill that strengthens our border security in New Mexico, Arizona and our neighboring border states. I commend the House for passing this important legislation and am working to ensure its swift passage in the Senate, so that President Obama can sign Gabby's bill into law. "
The Ultralight Aircraft Smuggling Prevention Act was first introduced in the House by Giffords in 2010. This legislation will improve border security by cracking down on smugglers who use ultralight aircraft to bring drugs across the U.S.-Mexico border. In December 2011, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the companion bill , introduced by Udall and Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV). After a determination by the House Ways and Means Committee that the legislation increases revenue, and therefore must originate in the U.S. House, Giffords shepherded the legislation through the House. It will now come to the Senate for final passage.
