Hearing to be held to discuss border fence Thursday

BROWNSVILLE - The Texas House of Representatives' Mexican American Legislative Caucus will hold a hearing Thursday to discuss the border fence in an early attempt to bring the issue to the attention of President-elect Barack Obama and his administration.

The hearing chairman, Rep. Eddie Lucio III, D-San Benito, wants to act quickly to inform Obama's transition team of the issue that has weighed heavily on many border residents.

"We may have a fresh set of ears (in Washington)," Lucio said. "Hopefully, they'll have an interest in the issue."

The hearing will be attended by South Texas landowners, border mayors, including Brownsville Mayor Pat M. Ahumada Jr., and representatives of the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security also have been invited.

Lucio, an early Obama supporter, said he would inform his contacts in the president-elect's administration of the outcome of the hearing.

"We're looking to put together some reliable information for them," he said.

"Every community on the Rio Grande is unique. A border wall may not address the varying concerns along the Texas border," said Rep. Pete Gallego, the caucus chairman.

MALC members say raising awareness of how federal legislation affects Texas constituents is crucial to representing Texans on a national level.