Border Authority Act

Hope remains for Congressman Bob Filner and other representatives in the border region after HR 3246 failed to pass in the House on Monday. That's because HR 2068, the Southwest Border Authority Act, remains in the House and at the top of the border representatives' agendas.

Both bills address the need for economic development in regions that suffer from chronic unemployment and poverty far above the national level. If passed, HR 2068 would establish the Southwest Border Authority, which would create programs and allocate federal funds allocated by the act.

The bill was introduced in April, and Filner's district office says it will be a top priority in the coming months.

HR 3246, the Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act would have focused on multiple regions throughout the United States. It didn't receive a two-thirds vote to pass. Congressman Brian Bilbray (CA-R) voted against the bill. Duncan Hunter (CA-R) was absent for the vote.