Grassley Schedules Hearing on the Transit Zone


Event: Hearing, "The Transit Zone: Strategy and Balance"

Date/Time: Tuesday, May 15, at 2 p.m.

Location: 428A Russell Senate Office Building

Description: Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Caucus on International Narcotics Control, will convene a hearing to discuss counterdrug interdiction strategy and operations in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, commonly referred to as the "transit zone."

Topics to be addressed at the hearing include:

(1) Current threats, shortcomings and projected future threats

(2) Agency capabilities

(3) Relationship with the source zone and Plan Colombia

(4) Needed improvements

(5) Interagency and international relationships

(6) Department of Defense and intelligence community support to transit zone operations

Witness List:

Edward H. Jurith, Acting Director, Office of National Drug Control Strategy

The Honorable Donnie R. Marshall, Administrator, Drug Enforcement Administration

Admiral James M. Loy, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Interdiction Coordinator

Chuck Winwood, Acting Commissioner, U.S. Customs Service