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AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Plans to hire of hundreds of new troopers for the Texas-Mexico border is part of sweeping border security measures tentatively approved by the Texas House.

The Republican-controlled House on Wednesday continued making quick work of heightening border security, which is a priority under new Gov. Greg Abbott. But closing a $300 million gulf with the Senate over how much to spend on more troopers and border technology still remains.

The Legislature is approaching the halfway mark of the 140-day session and the border security package is among the first bills passed by the House.

The bill overwhelmingly advanced 131-12. Vastly outnumbered Democrats, who for years have hotly opposed calls to "militarize" the Texas border, mostly sat out this fight and let the bill pass without fireworks.

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