You’d think that, given all this political cover, Bush would spring them. He would have nothing to lose and a lot of good will to gain. I am happy to see some action on this.

HOUSE PASSES AMENDMENT TO RELEASE IMPRISONED BORDER PATROL AGENTS
Congressman Duncan Hunter

Washington, D.C. – Late last evening, Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) was joined by several of his colleagues in successfully offering an amendment to H.R. 3093, the FY2008 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Act, prohibiting funds from being applied to the incarceration of Border Patrol agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean. The amendment, which passed the House by voice vote, would force the Bureau of Prisons to release the agents.

“Agents Ramos and Compean – serving 11 and 12 year prison sentences for wounding a drug smuggler running more than 750 pounds of marijuana across the border — have now spent more than six months in federal custody,” said Congressman Hunter. “The conviction of these agents represents the most severe injustice I have ever seen and, without question, qualifies for a presidential pardon.

“Unfortunately, repeated calls for a pardon have gone unanswered. If the President is unwilling to pardon agents Ramos and Compean, then it is our duty to ensure that no funding will be made available for their incarceration.

“I hope the Senate will follow the House’s lead by coordinating a similar effort or accepting the House passed amendment. This miscarriage of justice must be corrected.”

NOTE: Congressman Hunter has also sponsored legislation, H.R. 563, to pardon agents Ramos and Compean. Presently, the bill has 102 cosponsors.