Bush to Bypass Laws for Border Fence

4/1/2008 Washington D.C. When complete, the fence will run 670 miles along the southwest U.S. border. As of March 17th, there were 309 miles of fencing in place.

The legal waivers, which Congress authorized, would sidestep environmental laws that are in the way of the Homeland Security Department building 267 miles of fencing in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.

Homeland Security officials said using the waivers will be the last resort; but using them, would allow building to continue before completing environmental assessments needed.

The department is expected to announce plans later on today.