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Democrats blocked an effort Thursday by U.S. Sen. John McCain to add 6,000 troops to patrol the border.

Posted May 27, 2010, 9:24 am

Michael Truelsen TucsonSentinel.com

Democrats blocked an effort Thursday by U.S. Sen. John McCain to add 6,000 troops to patrol the border.

Reports the Washington Post:

The McCain measure, which needed 60 votes to be considered approved, fell short on a 51-46 vote as part of the Senate's broader consideration of a $59 billion spending bill that funds the troop surge into Afghanistan and other emergency measures. The border-security battle has become the most politically contentious issue surrounding what has otherwise become a routine passage of the war supplemental bill.

On Tuesday, President Obama announced he would authorize a deployment of up to 1,200 troops to the southwest border, and request $500 million in supplemental spending for enhanced border security.

The $500 million will be used to enhance technology at the border; share information with state, local, and tribal law enforcement; and increase federal law enforcement activities (including more agents, investigators, and prosecutors) as part of a multi-layered effort to target networks trafficking in people, drugs, illegal weapons and money, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords announced Tuesday.