Grassley Calls Joint Hearing to Review Bilateral Cooperation in Drug War


Senator Vows to Put U.S.-Mexico Anti-Drug Efforts Under the Spotlight


Melissa Kearney

202/224-0484


? Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, has called a joint oversight hearing with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, for Wednesday, Oct. 29, to study bilateral cooperation between the United States and Mexico in the fight against illegal drug trafficking.

According to Grassley, the oversight hearing will examine a review of Mexico's counter-narcotics efforts that the administration recently released, "Report to Congress: United States and Mexico Counterdrug Cooperation." During the certification process last March, the Senate requested a mid-term analysis to help gauge Mexico's commitment to cracking down on illegal drug trafficking.

"Before agreeing to Mexico's certification earlier this year, I indicated that the Mexican government would have one year to establish measurable progress on its side of the border in the U.S.-Mexico bilateral drug war." said Grassley. "Now just four months away from the next certification deadline, it's important to shine the spotlight on Mexico's progress and existing weaknesses as outlined in the administration's status report."

"Unprecedented methamphetamine seizures this month in Iowa underscore the importance of tracking Mexico's commitment to cut off the supply lines of the drug trade," said Grassley. "Pure poison is pouring into the state and it's hurting Iowa workers, families and our young people."

Panel I

Gen. Barry McCaffrey, Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy

Panel II

Thomas Kneir, Deputy Assistant Director,

Organization Crime/Drug Branch, Criminal Investigative Division, FBI

James Milford, Deputy Administrator, Drug Enforcement Agency

Jeffrey Davidow, Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of Inter-American AffairsSam Banks, Acting Commissioner, U.S. Customs Service

Panel III

Dr. Roy Godson, President, National Strategy Information Center

Don Ferrarone, former Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Agency