WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords issued the following statement today following the announcement by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff to complete a border fence by waiving federal environmental laws.

The secretary’s waiver announcement is outrageous. My office was not consulted prior to the issuance of this waiver. It also appears that no state or local elected officials in my district were consulted. Community groups were kept in the dark as well. This is unacceptable.

A federal government construction project of this magnitude will impact significantly on local residents, communities and the environment. Those of us who live on the border and represent border communities deserve a seat at the table.

Congress passed a law last year which contained a requirement that would ensure consultation with local officials and land owners before the waiver would be used. The spirit of this law was violated by today’s announcement.

Strengthening border security is a national priority. Few know that better than my constituents in Southeastern Arizona, where the failure of the federal government to enforce our immigration laws is apparent every day.

We must balance the need for strong border security with the rights of private land owners and the potential environmental impacts that can result from the construction of a border fence. Our desert lands are fragile and we must be vigilant in protecting them. Our residents are key partners in enforcing immigration laws. Alienating them is counter-productive and irresponsible.