Dear Mr. *****:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America.  I appreciate having the benefit of your comments on this matter. 

In March 2005, the United States, Mexico, and Canada created the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP), an agreement designed to develop common security strategies and to promote economic growth through information sharing.  In SPP founding documents, the initiative is described as premised on our security and our economic prosperity being mutually reinforcing.  This Partnership was formed because all three nations are bound by a shared belief in freedom, economic opportunity, and strong democratic institutions.

President George W. Bush, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and President Vicentà Fox most recently met in March 2006 to conduct the first annual SPP Leaders Summit.  The major issues discussed during the summit affect all three countries: border security, energy policies, and heightened cooperation regarding avian and pandemic influenza. While some have claimed this Partnership closely resembles the European Union and will form a new system of government, it does not and will not do so.  I would never support an agreement that compromises the sovereignty of the United States of America or the principles on which this country was founded. 

No issue is more important to our nation than securing our borders and I hope that the SPP continues to identify additional security initiatives that will protect our country.  I realize border security is an integral part of national security.  And, truthfully, we have not devoted the funds, resources, or manpower required to fully enforce our immigration laws or protect our borders.  On July 13, 2006, the Senate unanimously passed the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2007 (H.R. 5441).  I supported this act because I believe it is the obligation of the federal government to adequately secure the nation's borders and prevent the flow of undocumented illegal persons into the United States.  I am confident that the funds appropriated in this legislation will bolster border patrol and local law enforcement agencies' ability to fulfill federal responsibility in this area. 

I appreciate your interest in this matter, and you may be certain that I remain committed to advancing proposals that will further enhance our nation's security.  Thank you for taking the time to contact me.

Sincerely,

JOHN CORNYN
United States Senator

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