Sen. Grassley is planning a drug caucus hearing for Feb. 22 to consider U.S. assistance for the Andean region. Last Oct., Sens. Grassley, Paul Coverdell and Mike DeWine introduced a bill authorizing $1.6 billion for anti-drug efforts, the rule of law, human rights and the peace process in Colombia and neighboring countries. Last Sept., Sen. Grassley convened a hearing of the drug caucus regarding Colombian narcotics production and trafficking.
Here is Sen. Grassley's comment regarding today's announcement:
"It's in the United States' best interest to respond aggressively and strategically to the crisis in Colombia. The bill we introduced last fall emphasizing the critical need to back-up police and military action against drugs in Colombia set the stage for today's proposal. The two-year framework put forward is a step in the right direction. As the new congressional session begins, it's also very important that the administration spell out quickly how this substantial aid package fits into the United States' regional interests."