Congressman Zach Wamp told the Brainerd Kiwanis Club on Friday that he favors either posting the National Guard on the nation's southern border with Mexico or erecting a fence along the entire border.
Rep. Wamp said many federal agents are being killed by gangs controlled by drug lords along the border.
He said, "If they can get drugs through, then terrorists can get through as well."
Rep. Wamp also called for Congress to get a handle on the federal deficit, saying it has gone up by several trillion dollars since the terrorist attack of 9/11.
He said cutbacks to federal agencies will force efficiencies.
Rep. Wamp said much of the federal debt is held by foreigners, who may not have the best interest of the U.S. at heart.
He said there needs to be a second national energy bill passed that provides funding for specific programs. He said a wide range of methods are needed to help cut reliance on foreign oil, including use of nuclear and alternative oil sources.
He said there is room for a large increase in the ethanol program.
Congressman Wamp said there is a need for "renewal" in Congress, saying members need to get back to ideals "at the time we were elected."
He told the club he does not expect he will be chosen for a Republican leadership post, saying he has been independent on too many issues.