Dem lawmakers feel the heat on border security

As the White House bolsters security along the U.S.-Mexico border while declaring that the region has never been safer, Democratic lawmakers are demanding further action, saying that they are feeling the heat from dissatisfied voters. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano this week laid out several new initiatives aimed at strengthening the federal government’s partnership with local law enforcement, and President Barack Obama requested $600 million in emergency border funds from Congress. But Arizona Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D) pointed to recent drug cartel threats against local law enforcement officials in her home state as evidence that the ongoing drug cartels are escalating the levels of violence along the border. If the U.S. fails to tighten border security, it could pay the price, said Kirkpatrick -- one of roughly a dozen lawmakers who, over the July Fourth recess, will likely face voters who are not satisfied with the status quo...more