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My

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check. One two one two. My
check. One two one two.

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The September day will come to order the
septum it is meeting today to receive

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testimony on the medi that
initiative examining U.S.

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Efforts to combat transnational
criminal organizations.

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It's my pleasure

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and pleasure to welcome you all to this
timely hearing on the recent developments

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in combat transnational organized crime.

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This year will give us a forum
to examine the efforts goals

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and the possible implementation
of the middy that initiative

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and its role in reducing crime and
drug drug trafficking in Mexico

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and in Central America.

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I look forward to receiving testimony
from our two witnesses here in what their

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departments are doing with respect
to the rise of transnational crime

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and their role in the medieval initiative.

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Recently the United States has seen a rise
in the operations of sophisticated crime

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organizations that have little
regard for law enforcement

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and for our border officials.

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We have seen this trend across the county
the country including in my district in

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Orange County California.

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And more often than not these
organizations maintain ties

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and structured operations in multiple
countries. With the increase of violence.

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From drug cartels on the Mexican side
of the border places like wanna see

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that this is appropriate to be concerned
about how this is affecting our citizens

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here in the United States many drug cartels
contract out to trans national such as

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street gang to smuggle drugs

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and people into the United
States to smuggle weapons

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and ammunition out of the United States.

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And the smuggling operations work through
an intricate network of corrupt officers

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and secure smuggling routes on
both sides of our border the many

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that initiative proposal was developed
to stop these operations by implementing

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comprehensive cross border communication

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and collaboration interagency cooperation
among and inclusion of all agencies

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that work on our borders

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and with foreign governments is essential
for the success of this proposal our area

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of particular concern
is ensuring that gang

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and drug cartel members who are deported
from the United States do not continue

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their criminal behavior.

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Once they return to their
home countries or worse

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that they come back once again into the
United States to continue their work.

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We must be able to coordinate with
foreign authorities to ensure

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that these criminals are not allowed to
go back into their local populations

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and we also need to prevent them from
organizing further criminal efforts with

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their cartel counterparts
in the United States.

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Coordination from multiple agencies in
both countries is essential to achieving

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these goals

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and it must not be overlooked a concern
of the subcommittee has the exclusion of

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the Department of Homeland
Security for many important.

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Faces of the initiative
violence in Central America

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and Mexico affects the safety and
the security of the United States

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and the Department of Homeland
Security has personnel and equipment

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that can be a resource both on
the front lines in the Unite.

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Border and a local level foreign country.

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Committee would like to see a
commitment from all involved agencies

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that communication and collaboration are
and will continue to be on the forefront.

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Once again I thank our witnesses
for being here today.

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I look forward to your testimony and
receiving your answers to members questions

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and I will now my ranking member.

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Mr thank you thank you Madam
Chair in two thousand

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and seven over thirty six
thousand pounds of cocaine.

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Two thousand nine hundred
six pounds of meth

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and two point four million pounds of
marijuana were seized along the southwest

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border of our ports of entry by the Border
Patrol in fact two weeks ago one of the

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biggest. In Indiana history was
made in my district came across.

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There is a crisis at our border
critical that the United States.

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Move forward without With out to gain
control over our borders to deter detect

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and respond to all the legal activity.

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The consequences of the continued
vulnerability along the border are clearly

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evident in the violent crime

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and drug related death rate throughout the
United States in order in an effort to

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address the growing threat that
ministration proposed aid package to Mexico

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and Central America in October
two thousand and two thousand

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and seven referred to as the merit.

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Initiative the Department of Homeland
Security will play a critical role in

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carrying out the initiative
and I was pleased to learn

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that Chairman Thompson placed a request
with the speaker for the Committee on

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Homeland Security to have sequential referral
on the Merida Initiative authorizing

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legislation moving through Congress.
H.R. Six hundred twenty eight.

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I believe this is an issue

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that the committee can work together to
enhance this bipartisan legislation.

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While I believe that
there is much more work

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that needs to be done to secure our
borders. I think that the reader.

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Offers a stork opportunity to partner
with Mexico and Central America

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and work together on securing the region
from drug traffickers since nine eleven we

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have spoken about the need
to push our borders out

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and look for opportunities to detect threats
before they reach the United States

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the read initiative is part of that
philosophy and with appropriate controls

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and oversight could be a significant force
want to wire in the counter-narcotics

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fight and assist in securing the border.

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I'd like to thank our witnesses
for being here today.

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I look forward to hearing
from the Department of State

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and Homeland Security on what
they hope to achieve the reader

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and have how the progress
will be monitored

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and how the partnership can help most for
security especially in Mexico at a time

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when violence directed at law
enforcement is an all time high.

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I am especially interested in getting
better understanding of how D.H.S.S.

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Is a valve to Merida

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and what impact this will have on
resources while I'm excited to discuss

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and read an issue we must understand that
real low will not secure our border.

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We must continue to provide
adequate resources

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and of course materials to US law enforcement
agencies are working hard to secure

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our homeland to

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that end I look forward in participating
next week with my colleague Mr Why are the

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roll out of the ice operation armistice
Ottis to address cross border weapons

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smuggling these guns often end up in the
hands of the drug cartels elevating the

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level of violence along the
border and within Mexico.

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I would like to take a moment to express
appreciation for the actions taken in

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Mexico by the Calderon administration over
the past eighteen months to disrupt drug

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trafficking organizations and corruption
often Mexico only gets criticism.

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It seems in the in the United
States and it's important

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that we praise the initiatives of the
Calderon administration since President

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Calderon entered office
in two thousand and six.

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Mexico is allocated more than six point
five billion to combat drug trafficking

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increase public security

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and what's really important political
politically for Americans to understand is

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it's largely our drug problems of cause.

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Islands in Mexico and I'm really pleased

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that the Mexican government
has taken these rest

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and taken this leadership to try to address
it as a transit through Mexico head of

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the United States.

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In two thousand and seven Mexico seized a
record fifty point seven tons of cocaine.

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Worth more than seven point six billion
in street value in addition Mexico at a

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record ninety three
criminal United States.

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January two thousand

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and seven including three drugs in a
former Mexican governor increase in

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border violence as smugglers have become
more desperate in their attempt to smuggle

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narcotics that are moving through Mexico
and coming into the United States.

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Also it is important

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that we recognize the sacrifice of
Mexico's law enforcement officers.

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Military personnel

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and the citizens of Mexico who continue to
be targeted by ruthless drug trafficking

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organizations more than four hundred
military and law enforcement officers

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and two thousand six hundred fifty
civilians have been killed in drug related

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murders. We're also seeing an alarming
increase in violence targeted at U.S.

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Law enforcement along the border bilateral
cooperation in the war on drugs is at an

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all time high in the Merida Initiative
may be the best way to bring to the

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relationship with our regional partners.

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I look forward to working

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and hearing with our from our witnesses
about how the reader will help secure our

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borders and reduce illegal
drug ring in our country.

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Thank you Madam Chair other members
of the committee are reminded

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that opening statements may be.

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Welcome our panel of witnesses our first
witness Mr Rosen served as acting

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assistant secretary for
international affairs

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and deputy assistant secretary for policy
at the Department of Homeland Security

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has previously served secretary
for policy development

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and counselor to the assistant secretary
for policy in prior to joining the

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department. He served in
the center for legal and.

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Foundation and our second when Mr David T.

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Johnson was sworn in as assistant
secretary for the Bureau of International

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Narcotics and law enforcement on
October thirty first two thousand

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and seven prior to this appointment deputy
chief of mission for the US Embassy in

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London from August two thousand
and two thousand and seven.

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Mr Johnson entered the Foreign Service
in one nine hundred seventy seven.

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Without objection the witness
statements will be in the record

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and I will ask the witnesses to summarize
their statements for five minutes.

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Thank you very much.

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It is a great pleasure to be
before this committee today.

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And it's an honor to be here to
be able to articulate for you.

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Why the Department of Homeland Security.

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Supports the matter and
to lay out for you.

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Some of the unique competencies

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that brings to the table for
this important undertaking.

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Before discussing the matter.

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We must begin by acknowledging the violent

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and dangerous backdrop to this hearing
in Mexico drug cartels are waging war.

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These drug cartels kill with impunity killing
not only members of competing cartels.

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But also the police

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and military who are attempting to
protect Mexican citizens from crime

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and ensure a strong

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and economically viable Mexico parts of
Central America have become a transit zone

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for human arms money

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and narco traffickers transnational
criminal organizations take advantage of

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circumstances where governments

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that may otherwise have the political
will to counter transnational criminal

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activity. Lack the resources to do so.

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Neither this criminal phenomenon

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nor the violence of follows recognizes
borders the US suffers from gang violence

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crime and the trafficking of
people in narcotics with causes

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and effects across the border.

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This is further compounded by the fact

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that the same activities used
to fund criminal organizations

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and move contraband can and may be used
by terrorists to fund their activities

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and to move. Dangerous weapons

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and people indeed the threat posed by
transnational criminal organizations in this

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region is as multifaceted

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and as dangerous as any this nation has
faced this regional violence has become a

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border integrity issue and the
marriage initiative is the U.S.

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Government's response to the
regional clime violence and drugs

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that are crossing our borders matter

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that is of course a multinational
multi agency effort with many facets.

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It represents a historic opportunity to
transform our regional security cooperation

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and is a significant effort to
confront the frets of organized crime

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that affects Mexico Central America

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and the United States our partners south
of the border have called for assistance

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and that call must be answered. Let me
speak a little bit about what D.H.S.S.

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Can contribute to answering that
call in the merit initiative.

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If if adopted by Congress and if funded.

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We offer many opportunities for
assistance through Immigration

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and Customs Enforcement C.B.P.

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Customs and Border Protection

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and the Coast Guard were charged
with primary responsibility

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and authority of interdicting in investigating
the vast majority of cross border

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criminal activity while we have a number
of programs that already are in place.

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Many of which are in my testimony which
compliment the merit initiative.

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If the initiative will allow us to engage
in even more significant ways for example

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the merit initiative would tap into C.B.P.

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As border security expertise through
the proper method to process.

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We are exploring the possibility
of helping to procure

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and then train our counterparts in
multiple countries on the effective use of

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nonintrusive inspection equipment through
this effort where fulfilling the unique

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C.B.P.

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Responsibility of helping to defend the
front lines again on the fight against

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transnational crime.

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Another CD Proby program the analysis of
advanced passenger information system

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helps of the collection

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and analysis of passenger information to
detect an intraday those individuals who

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may pose. A law enforcement immigration
or national security risk.

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As they travel in the air transit system.
Through this arrangement under mattered.

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Panama would be targeted for a pilot program
in which we would assist them in the

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analysis of A.P.I.

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Data and allow us to then
provide targeting information

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and assistance directly back to
Panamanian law enforcement agencies

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and train them in how
to do this themselves.

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Ice equally offers the development of a
fully operational multi-disciplinary set of

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programs including the
training of vetted units

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that work with our foreign government.

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And one with our government law enforcement
agencies to interdict narcotics

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and trade. Illegal trade along the border.

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If funded America would allow ice to
provide participating governments with

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training

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and equipment for the establishment of
bulk currency smuggling in the B.C.S.

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Use with the purchase of maritime surveillance
aircraft for the Mexican Navy the

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U.S.

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Coast Guard would also contribute to the merit
initiative by increasing the interoperability

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of the Mexican Navy's maritime surveillance
aircraft with our own we are proposing

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00:31:10,19 --> 00:31:15,23
to purchase for them the same platforms
that our Coast Guard uses ensuring

239
00:31:15,23 --> 00:31:18,24
that if operational it would
be full interoperability

240
00:31:18,24 --> 00:31:23,14
and ability to communicate in both
tactical and operational ways our U.S.

241
00:31:23,14 --> 00:31:26,56
Visit program. Would in
conjunction with C.B.P.

242
00:31:26,56 --> 00:31:32,84
and Ice be positioned to assist the Mexican
national Migration Institute in Nami to

243
00:31:32,84 --> 00:31:36,77
develop its integrated system for
Immigrations operations through sharing our

244
00:31:36,77 --> 00:31:38,36
expertise on biometrics

245
00:31:38,36 --> 00:31:43,83
and technology in short we have an active
role to play in the development of the

246
00:31:43,83 --> 00:31:48,69
merit initiative. It is merit
it is as I said the U.S.

247
00:31:48,69 --> 00:31:52,65
Government's attempt to partner with
foreign governments to increase regional

248
00:31:52,65 --> 00:31:55,55
security by fighting cross
border and organized crime.

249
00:31:55,55 --> 00:31:59,84
We are a strong advocate of the in
merit initiative and the interagency.

250
00:32:00,00 --> 00:32:01,57
The process that has developed.

251
00:32:01,57 --> 00:32:03,83
We've been involved in all
aspects of the planning

252
00:32:03,83 --> 00:32:08,01
and will continue to be during
implementation. In conclusion.

253
00:32:08,01 --> 00:32:12,33
The Department of Homeland Security fully
supports America because America offers

254
00:32:12,33 --> 00:32:16,79
us an unprecedented opportunity to work
closely in partnership with the Calderon

255
00:32:16,79 --> 00:32:20,04
administration in Mexico with our
other partners in Central America

256
00:32:20,04 --> 00:32:24,63
and it will put the security relationship
with our neighbors to the south on a new

257
00:32:24,63 --> 00:32:25,70
and different level

258
00:32:25,70 --> 00:32:29,82
that ultimately will benefit the homeland
security interests of the United States.

259
00:32:29,82 --> 00:32:36,12
Thank you thank you Secretary
recognize Secretary Johnson

260
00:32:36,12 --> 00:32:38,65
statement.

261
00:32:38,65 --> 00:32:44,56
Thank you Madam Chairwoman Madam Chairwoman
Congressman Souder other distinguished

262
00:32:44,56 --> 00:32:45,71
members of the committee.

263
00:32:45,71 --> 00:32:49,59
I'm grateful for the opportunity to
appear before you to discuss the merit

264
00:32:49,59 --> 00:32:54,61
initiative because along with
Secretary Rosenzweig we believe

265
00:32:54,61 --> 00:32:58,89
that confronting these challenges requires
a complimentary effort not just on both

266
00:32:58,89 --> 00:33:00,21
sides of the border.

267
00:33:00,21 --> 00:33:04,22
But across our nation's national
security and law enforcement agencies.

268
00:33:04,22 --> 00:33:08,78
I'd also like to express my gratitude for
the support the Congress has shown for

269
00:33:08,78 --> 00:33:10,78
the president's request
for the initiative.

270
00:33:10,78 --> 00:33:16,17
We're pre Congress has included a substantial
percentage of the funding requested

271
00:33:16,17 --> 00:33:21,16
and the F Y two thousand and eight
supplemental passed by the House and Senate.

272
00:33:21,16 --> 00:33:25,48
We look forward to working with you as
the differences between these two bills

273
00:33:25,48 --> 00:33:27,90
result. And we hope become law.

274
00:33:27,90 --> 00:33:33,40
Madam Chairwoman over the past decade
criminal organizations have grown in size

275
00:33:33,40 --> 00:33:38,49
and strength throughout Mexico and Central
America to protect their lucrative

276
00:33:38,49 --> 00:33:41,64
and dangerous activities these
organizations undermine

277
00:33:41,64 --> 00:33:44,54
and intimidate government
institutions through bribery

278
00:33:44,54 --> 00:33:48,41
and violence directed at
police politicians prosecutors

279
00:33:48,41 --> 00:33:53,77
and judges approximately ninety percent
of the cocaine consumed in the United

280
00:33:53,77 --> 00:33:55,23
States transits through Mexico

281
00:33:55,23 --> 00:33:59,49
and Mexico is a major source
of America's methamphetamine.

282
00:34:00,00 --> 00:34:03,90
And marijuana but since taking
office at the end of two thousand

283
00:34:03,90 --> 00:34:09,34
and six Mexican President Calderon has
taken unprecedented action against drug

284
00:34:09,34 --> 00:34:10,36
trafficking networks

285
00:34:10,36 --> 00:34:14,15
that threaten his own people as
well as our citizens here at home.

286
00:34:14,15 --> 00:34:19,47
He's reorganized the federal police force
deployed military forces to support

287
00:34:19,47 --> 00:34:22,44
police operations rooted
out corrupt officials

288
00:34:22,44 --> 00:34:25,56
and extradited a record number of kingpins

289
00:34:25,56 --> 00:34:29,99
and other criminals to the United States
over the past several weeks we've been

290
00:34:29,99 --> 00:34:34,46
witness several high profile assassinations
of senior Mexican law enforcement

291
00:34:34,46 --> 00:34:35,57
officials including

292
00:34:35,57 --> 00:34:40,69
that of the head of Mexico's National Police
outside his home in the capital these

293
00:34:40,69 --> 00:34:46,03
brazen attacks strike at the heart of the
rule of law they're clearly intended to

294
00:34:46,03 --> 00:34:51,97
deter the Mexican government's efforts to
confront organized crime mature woman in

295
00:34:51,97 --> 00:34:55,37
January I had the opportunity
to visit Mexico City

296
00:34:55,37 --> 00:35:00,24
and then the border in El Paso with
intelligence committee chairman Ray is having

297
00:35:00,24 --> 00:35:04,07
served at the beginning of my foreign
service career as vice consul in Ciudad

298
00:35:04,07 --> 00:35:07,84
Juarez. I have a special
appreciation of the opportunities of

299
00:35:07,84 --> 00:35:13,08
that border community on my visit in January
I was struck by the possible concern

300
00:35:13,08 --> 00:35:13,35
in El Paso

301
00:35:13,35 --> 00:35:18,95
that the violence in Mexico could soon spill
over into American border communities.

302
00:35:18,95 --> 00:35:23,62
Indeed drug trafficking gang violence
and other criminal activity in Mexico

303
00:35:23,62 --> 00:35:24,92
and Central America.

304
00:35:24,92 --> 00:35:30,08
Are readily apparent in communities across
our country these transnational threats

305
00:35:30,08 --> 00:35:32,08
require transnational solutions

306
00:35:32,08 --> 00:35:37,04
and American issue to our proposal to
assist our southern neighbors in their

307
00:35:37,04 --> 00:35:42,15
confrontation with this threat this initiative
grew out of President Bush's trip to

308
00:35:42,15 --> 00:35:46,55
Mexico and Central America in two
thousand and seven during that visit.

309
00:35:46,55 --> 00:35:47,09
President Calderon

310
00:35:47,09 --> 00:35:51,36
and the then president Guatemalan
president Berger told the president

311
00:35:51,36 --> 00:35:54,14
that organized crime was
their highest challenge

312
00:35:54,14 --> 00:35:56,69
and they wanted to work more
closely with each other

313
00:35:56,69 --> 00:35:59,20
and with the United States to confront it.

314
00:36:00,00 --> 00:36:04,23
To respond quickly to this urgent threat
to take advantage of this is Sturrock

315
00:36:04,23 --> 00:36:07,82
opportunity to improve our own
security cooperation in the region.

316
00:36:07,82 --> 00:36:11,74
The president included five hundred fifty
million for the mirror the initiative

317
00:36:11,74 --> 00:36:14,59
and the F Y two thousand and
eight supplemental request

318
00:36:14,59 --> 00:36:18,05
and another five hundred fifty
million in the F Y two thousand

319
00:36:18,05 --> 00:36:22,85
and nine regular budget request the first
year includes five hundred million for

320
00:36:22,85 --> 00:36:25,11
Mexico and fifty million
for Central America

321
00:36:25,11 --> 00:36:28,22
and the second includes four
hundred fifty million for Mexico

322
00:36:28,22 --> 00:36:30,66
and one hundred million
for Central America.

323
00:36:30,66 --> 00:36:35,67
If appropriated this funding would
provide equipment including transport

324
00:36:35,67 --> 00:36:38,91
helicopters surveillance aircraft
and inspection equipment

325
00:36:38,91 --> 00:36:43,34
and training to strengthen the
capacity of law enforcement judicial

326
00:36:43,34 --> 00:36:48,03
and corrections institutions the president's
request also includes funding to

327
00:36:48,03 --> 00:36:52,06
enhance police vetting and to address
criminal you gangs money laundering

328
00:36:52,06 --> 00:36:54,50
and drug demand equipment

329
00:36:54,50 --> 00:36:58,08
and activities included in the
president's request determined through a

330
00:36:58,08 --> 00:37:02,94
comprehensive interagency assessment of
the host nation's requests by voluntary

331
00:37:02,94 --> 00:37:05,12
validation teams of U.S.

332
00:37:05,12 --> 00:37:07,91
Experts representing all elements
of our national security

333
00:37:07,91 --> 00:37:10,08
and law enforcement community.

334
00:37:10,08 --> 00:37:13,84
I want to assure the committee
that if funding is appropriated.

335
00:37:13,84 --> 00:37:17,33
I will work with our inner agency partners
to see that it is utilized properly

336
00:37:17,33 --> 00:37:19,83
that appropriate financial
controls are in place

337
00:37:19,83 --> 00:37:23,46
and enhanced as our own law
enforcement objectives and

338
00:37:23,46 --> 00:37:29,09
that the programs are operated as efficiently
as we possibly can as an other State

339
00:37:29,09 --> 00:37:31,35
Department managed law
enforcement assistance programs.

340
00:37:31,35 --> 00:37:35,26
No funding would be would be provided
directly to these countries.

341
00:37:35,26 --> 00:37:41,50
And all training and equipment will be
subject to monitoring your intended purpose.

342
00:37:41,50 --> 00:37:45,79
The background of all recipients of
assistance will be checked for allegations of

343
00:37:45,79 --> 00:37:47,76
human rights violations corruption

344
00:37:47,76 --> 00:37:52,88
and ties to narco traffickers for aviation
assets which have been requested only

345
00:37:52,88 --> 00:37:53,50
for Mexico.

346
00:37:53,50 --> 00:37:58,83
We made an effort to support airframes
in which Mexico has already invested to

347
00:37:58,83 --> 00:38:01,01
reduce the need for a
long. Term operations.

348
00:38:01,01 --> 00:38:06,34
Again Madam Chairwoman thank you for
the opportunity to appear before you.

349
00:38:06,34 --> 00:38:10,66
We believe these programs can have an
immediate positive impact on these countries

350
00:38:10,66 --> 00:38:13,46
ability to meet these
challenges and the closer

351
00:38:13,46 --> 00:38:17,21
and regional cooperation
will pay dividends.

352
00:38:17,21 --> 00:38:21,46
Well into the future
interest in these issues

353
00:38:21,46 --> 00:38:28,09
and I look forward to attempting to address
any questions I thank the witnesses for

354
00:38:28,09 --> 00:38:32,64
their testimony and I'll remind each
member that question the witnesses

355
00:38:32,64 --> 00:38:36,49
and I will now recognize myself.

356
00:38:36,49 --> 00:38:43,31
So here's the problem as a Californian
we have obviously a border

357
00:38:43,31 --> 00:38:44,69
with Mexico in particular

358
00:38:44,69 --> 00:38:49,33
that has been heating up lately
because of the drug wars

359
00:38:49,33 --> 00:38:53,33
and because of the clampdown that's
been going on by President Calderon.

360
00:38:53,33 --> 00:38:59,39
Believe me I think all of us are
very appreciative of the fact

361
00:38:59,39 --> 00:39:05,11
that government has taken on a
very difficult thing to do to

362
00:39:05,11 --> 00:39:08,07
eliminate down.

363
00:39:08,07 --> 00:39:10,07
What is happening at the border

364
00:39:10,07 --> 00:39:14,07
but it seems to be getting worse
to the point where my family

365
00:39:14,07 --> 00:39:20,58
to really go down given
some of the indications

366
00:39:20,58 --> 00:39:26,82
and some of the violence that's been going
on in the Baja California peninsula my

367
00:39:26,82 --> 00:39:28,59
constituents are asking the same thing

368
00:39:28,59 --> 00:39:34,95
when I look at the concern

369
00:39:34,95 --> 00:39:41,49
we have a Department of
Homeland Security on the border

370
00:39:41,49 --> 00:39:47,51
the relationship with the border

371
00:39:47,51 --> 00:39:49,93
and let's talk right now about
Mexico for example because

372
00:39:49,93 --> 00:39:57,00
it

373
00:39:57,00 --> 00:39:59,36
seems to me really want.

374
00:40:00,00 --> 00:40:04,45
Homeland Security.

375
00:40:04,45 --> 00:40:06,39
If you will

376
00:40:06,39 --> 00:40:15,05
and will

377
00:40:15,05 --> 00:40:21,64
be controlling where the money.

378
00:40:21,64 --> 00:40:24,29
Department of Homeland will be

379
00:40:24,29 --> 00:40:36,52
going

380
00:40:36,52 --> 00:40:42,45
on because I would like to

381
00:40:42,45 --> 00:41:16,30
start

382
00:41:16,30 --> 00:41:21,53
by addressing part of your question.
This is a foreign assistance program.

383
00:41:21,53 --> 00:41:28,34
It is appropriated under the
provisions of coordinated by the state

384
00:41:28,34 --> 00:41:33,32
department of our national security

385
00:41:33,32 --> 00:41:38,95
and law enforcement efforts in this the
elements of the Justice Department as well

386
00:41:38,95 --> 00:41:43,03
as played a very strong
role in this effort

387
00:41:43,03 --> 00:41:49,51
because a significant
portion of the proposal

388
00:41:49,51 --> 00:41:54,41
actually for the Mexican military.

389
00:41:54,41 --> 00:41:59,33
This is a process because.

390
00:42:00,00 --> 00:42:04,73
Broad Spectrum problem
organized crime problem

391
00:42:04,73 --> 00:42:11,65
but it is a significant
role to play in the several

392
00:42:11,65 --> 00:42:17,21
testimony where the individual elements

393
00:42:17,21 --> 00:42:20,32
also have strong role.

394
00:42:20,32 --> 00:42:27,06
I would caution against looking at a
single silver bullet here to try to solve

395
00:42:27,06 --> 00:42:29,41
the violence problem in Mexico.

396
00:42:29,41 --> 00:42:36,36
I think the comprehensive solution
come up with in response to

397
00:42:36,36 --> 00:42:41,18
the open invitation of President Calderon
in particular is going to be the most

398
00:42:41,18 --> 00:42:47,28
effective way to address this problem in
the long run if you look back over time.

399
00:42:47,28 --> 00:42:53,86
There was a law enforcement
agencies an effort to

400
00:42:53,86 --> 00:42:58,48
even accommodate some of this
commerce and illicit drugs.

401
00:42:58,48 --> 00:43:02,64
We have an administration
now willing to confront it

402
00:43:02,64 --> 00:43:07,51
and to deal with it to make significant
steps in improving the rule of law

403
00:43:07,51 --> 00:43:10,00
and reforming institutions in Mexico.

404
00:43:10,00 --> 00:43:14,51
I think will put us on a significant
different footing than we have been in the

405
00:43:14,51 --> 00:43:16,51
past. I can't predict for you

406
00:43:16,51 --> 00:43:20,87
that the level of violence will drop
off markedly in the very short term.

407
00:43:20,87 --> 00:43:25,82
But I think I am comfortable
telling you that I believe

408
00:43:25,82 --> 00:43:28,70
that with the provision of this
equipment in this training

409
00:43:28,70 --> 00:43:31,21
and the reform programs
that it means for Mexico.

410
00:43:31,21 --> 00:43:34,65
We can look forward to
a Mexican neighborhood

411
00:43:34,65 --> 00:43:36,94
that is much more grounded
in the rule of law

412
00:43:36,94 --> 00:43:43,02
and is safer for us in the long
run the people in California

413
00:43:43,02 --> 00:43:49,57
and Arizona can't wait for the
long term the violence is

414
00:43:49,57 --> 00:43:56,57
getting out of my colleagues
on the border all the time you

415
00:43:56,57 --> 00:43:59,05
have to do short term long term things.

416
00:44:00,00 --> 00:44:04,18
It worries me

417
00:44:04,18 --> 00:44:10,96
that the monies are not going to
confront what is a real threat

418
00:44:10,96 --> 00:44:16,05
on our southern border.
Comment If the money.

419
00:44:16,05 --> 00:44:19,59
What would you do with it.

420
00:44:19,59 --> 00:44:25,36
That's quite a hypothetical as
you know the funding mechanisms

421
00:44:25,36 --> 00:44:29,40
that Congress has chosen or.

422
00:44:29,40 --> 00:44:34,33
The international narcotics funding that
is operated by the Department of State

423
00:44:34,33 --> 00:44:37,06
and I would say at the outset

424
00:44:37,06 --> 00:44:42,03
that throughout the world to do training

425
00:44:42,03 --> 00:44:46,27
and technical assistance missions
for foreign governments.

426
00:44:46,27 --> 00:44:50,82
We often look to our partners at the
Department of State for assistance

427
00:44:50,82 --> 00:44:53,56
and funding of this nature
and under the Maryland

428
00:44:53,56 --> 00:44:58,19
that we do the border region
under the marriage. Or.

429
00:44:58,19 --> 00:45:03,05
Training that we do in Southeast
Asia and trafficking.

430
00:45:03,05 --> 00:45:05,14
I think

431
00:45:05,14 --> 00:45:11,48
that from our perspective
it's important to

432
00:45:11,48 --> 00:45:12,48
understand

433
00:45:12,48 --> 00:45:18,89
that there are many pieces as David said
to this puzzle certainly much of what we

434
00:45:18,89 --> 00:45:24,95
need to do in South America and
Mexico and Central America is work

435
00:45:24,95 --> 00:45:27,91
that is outside of competence

436
00:45:27,91 --> 00:45:33,14
and Hansing the prosecutorial
structures of our neighbors

437
00:45:33,14 --> 00:45:35,36
and their ability to prosecute crimes.

438
00:45:35,36 --> 00:45:35,80
That's something

439
00:45:35,80 --> 00:45:38,43
that the people at the Department
of Justice know a great deal about

440
00:45:38,43 --> 00:45:42,16
and we know nothing about. Likewise.

441
00:45:42,16 --> 00:45:46,71
Some of the military training that will
go to the Mexican military is something

442
00:45:46,71 --> 00:45:51,07
that is completely outside of
our particular competence.

443
00:45:51,07 --> 00:45:56,25
So let me state it in a positive way
by saying that the types of things

444
00:45:56,25 --> 00:45:59,66
that we want to do that we think we can.

445
00:46:00,00 --> 00:46:05,44
Tribute to and that if funded and passed
through we will do our things like.

446
00:46:05,44 --> 00:46:11,46
Purchasing for Mexican customs
non-intrusive inspection equipment

447
00:46:11,46 --> 00:46:16,53
and providing training on
how to use it. Kind of.

448
00:46:16,53 --> 00:46:23,47
Two week training program and they'll be
some after after installation. Assistance.

449
00:46:23,47 --> 00:46:26,22
Each of those machines is quite expensive.

450
00:46:26,22 --> 00:46:30,30
They run in the million dollar range so
how many we can provide How much training

451
00:46:30,30 --> 00:46:32,56
we can provide is a function of how much.

452
00:46:32,56 --> 00:46:35,69
You appropriate Congress appropriates

453
00:46:35,69 --> 00:46:40,64
and how much of what you appropriate
gets assigned to this particular task.

454
00:46:40,64 --> 00:46:43,72
Similarly we.

455
00:46:43,72 --> 00:46:49,04
One of the proposals we put forward is
to provide training to vetted bulk cash

456
00:46:49,04 --> 00:46:53,77
smuggling units which
are groups of vetted.

457
00:46:53,77 --> 00:46:59,89
Vetted law enforcement
officers who goes down

458
00:46:59,89 --> 00:47:01,06
and talks to

459
00:47:01,06 --> 00:47:06,41
and trains on how to
identify cash couriers

460
00:47:06,41 --> 00:47:09,28
and how to interdict them more effectively

461
00:47:09,28 --> 00:47:13,90
and we've given this training around the
world it's generally proven very effective.

462
00:47:13,90 --> 00:47:20,44
The Central American area is a well
known transit point across the isthmus

463
00:47:20,44 --> 00:47:24,63
for drug money going north and south and

464
00:47:24,63 --> 00:47:29,18
that would be an ideal
opportunity for us so.

465
00:47:29,18 --> 00:47:34,69
I could perhaps go on for a great deal
of time course there is so much we could

466
00:47:34,69 --> 00:47:38,23
bring to the table but I certainly don't
want to leave you with the impression

467
00:47:38,23 --> 00:47:41,03
that there's that we have all of
the answers because we don't.

468
00:47:41,03 --> 00:47:43,53
Many of our colleagues in
the interagency do as well.

469
00:47:43,53 --> 00:47:50,08
Thanks to both of you on that and if
you would I would love to have you.

470
00:47:50,08 --> 00:47:53,29
Give us a list of those
things that you believe.

471
00:47:53,29 --> 00:47:59,78
Department of Homeland Security
could do for me. A dire one.

472
00:48:00,77 --> 00:48:07,12
Going to Mexico because they're
afraid of the violence going on

473
00:48:07,12 --> 00:48:13,95
economic instability more
immigration problems for

474
00:48:13,95 --> 00:48:19,24
us and many more going on.

475
00:48:19,24 --> 00:48:26,03
Right now of a real fear of violence

476
00:48:26,03 --> 00:48:29,24
or even more importantly more violence

477
00:48:29,24 --> 00:48:43,17
and it's really over onto the
American side of the border.

478
00:48:43,17 --> 00:48:45,25
Only partially laid out.

479
00:48:45,25 --> 00:48:51,47
The problem with Mr Johnson in the.

480
00:48:51,47 --> 00:48:54,16
What are the black tar.

481
00:48:54,16 --> 00:48:59,45
I know in the rough ballpark.

482
00:48:59,45 --> 00:49:01,90
How much.

483
00:49:01,90 --> 00:49:03,50
For

484
00:49:03,50 --> 00:49:09,40
that matter Central America as opposed to.

485
00:49:09,40 --> 00:49:13,51
I think America is not exclusively

486
00:49:13,51 --> 00:49:16,88
but very large.

487
00:49:16,88 --> 00:49:22,17
Mexico is becoming a consuming
country grows a middle class

488
00:49:22,17 --> 00:49:28,77
and become part of you know worldwide
phenomenon where people get

489
00:49:28,77 --> 00:49:31,98
more money and they start to consume
things that they shouldn't.

490
00:49:31,98 --> 00:49:34,33
And in addition to
things that they should.

491
00:49:34,33 --> 00:49:37,34
I wouldn't know how to
quantify that at this point

492
00:49:37,34 --> 00:49:43,25
but as I mentioned in my testimony ninety
percent plus range of the cocaine coming

493
00:49:43,25 --> 00:49:46,43
into the United States coming from Mexico.

494
00:49:46,43 --> 00:49:51,68
The amount of marijuana coming from Mexico
into the United States is significant

495
00:49:51,68 --> 00:49:53,94
for a reason

496
00:49:53,94 --> 00:49:59,15
that is usually under-appreciated most
of the marijuana consumed in the United

497
00:49:59,15 --> 00:50:01,12
States is. Actually produced here.

498
00:50:01,12 --> 00:50:06,92
The Mexican organized crime groups are some
of some of their operating some of the

499
00:50:06,92 --> 00:50:07,68
production here

500
00:50:07,68 --> 00:50:12,69
and in addition they are using this is a
cash cow to support their operations in

501
00:50:12,69 --> 00:50:17,46
Mexico and something the Mexicans really
have brought brought our attention to

502
00:50:17,46 --> 00:50:21,95
that we need to focus and to give
credit where it's very much.

503
00:50:21,95 --> 00:50:27,38
And the Border Patrol and very much
focused on this along with the U.S.

504
00:50:27,38 --> 00:50:32,19
Attorneys to focus on the relatively
small shipments because it has been

505
00:50:32,19 --> 00:50:35,33
disassembled and then
reassemble in the United States

506
00:50:35,33 --> 00:50:41,54
and they have the organized crime groups
figured out earlier how to get around some

507
00:50:41,54 --> 00:50:45,40
of our levels and where we revisited

508
00:50:45,40 --> 00:50:49,14
that in consultation with the with
the Mexican attorney general.

509
00:50:49,14 --> 00:50:53,30
So that we can focus more clearly
on this but it's a problem

510
00:50:53,30 --> 00:50:57,15
that we're working on the methamphetamine.

511
00:50:57,15 --> 00:51:01,06
The large labs are mostly in Mexico

512
00:51:01,06 --> 00:51:04,27
and not in the United States
on the positive side.

513
00:51:04,27 --> 00:51:10,79
Mexico is made as some extreme steps in
confronting the precursor issue as in fact

514
00:51:10,79 --> 00:51:17,68
banned all use for legitimate as well as
illegitimate purposes of the precursors

515
00:51:17,68 --> 00:51:21,74
in Mexico requiring they're the people
who have the common cold there to use a

516
00:51:21,74 --> 00:51:23,75
different formulary but what I think

517
00:51:23,75 --> 00:51:28,16
when you go through what you just did I
think one of the most important people

518
00:51:28,16 --> 00:51:31,83
things for the American people
and the people of Mexico for

519
00:51:31,83 --> 00:51:36,70
that matter Central America to understand
is this isn't the United States coming in

520
00:51:36,70 --> 00:51:39,91
trying to help address domestic
problems in different countries

521
00:51:39,91 --> 00:51:44,13
that in fact the problem has grown

522
00:51:44,13 --> 00:51:49,30
and caused the term while in most of these
countries just as it did in Colombia

523
00:51:49,30 --> 00:51:56,27
Afghanistan Libya Piru to some
degree Ecuador because of American

524
00:51:56,27 --> 00:52:00,56
and European Mexico most
American. Drug habit.

525
00:52:00,56 --> 00:52:07,40
And that that for those who say this
is American interventionism or in.

526
00:52:07,40 --> 00:52:11,00
Or in America say why are we
trying to deal with Mexico.

527
00:52:11,00 --> 00:52:16,72
Look we aggravated the problem. Therefore
if Mexico is willing to work with us.

528
00:52:16,72 --> 00:52:22,08
We have an obligation to work with them
because we export our problems to them

529
00:52:22,08 --> 00:52:22,90
and that

530
00:52:22,90 --> 00:52:27,62
that this kind of supernaturalism is not
understanding a basic phenomena here

531
00:52:27,62 --> 00:52:30,75
that in that there is also a difference.

532
00:52:30,75 --> 00:52:32,80
And the reason Homeland
Security becomes critical

533
00:52:32,80 --> 00:52:35,76
and this is a difference
between Afghanistan Colombia

534
00:52:35,76 --> 00:52:39,03
and other places is they
don't have a border.

535
00:52:39,03 --> 00:52:43,28
You don't just go back and forth
across to Afghanistan and in Colombia.

536
00:52:43,28 --> 00:52:49,01
Therefore it's essential that we try
to work work to the border side.

537
00:52:49,01 --> 00:52:52,58
Yet another challenge here is that.

538
00:52:52,58 --> 00:52:56,96
And this is this is when we're
we're coming in at this scale.

539
00:52:56,96 --> 00:53:01,05
Respecting each country's desire and mix.

540
00:53:01,05 --> 00:53:05,20
One other thing in the homeland security
when we look at this committee.

541
00:53:05,20 --> 00:53:08,26
And you look at the Department of Homeland
Security people think of it as like a

542
00:53:08,26 --> 00:53:10,22
picket fence border.

543
00:53:10,22 --> 00:53:14,28
But in fact the Corps coast guard is down
in the Caribbean down in the eastern

544
00:53:14,28 --> 00:53:14,44
Pacific

545
00:53:14,44 --> 00:53:19,92
and that's part of the part where the Land
Security ICE investigations with C.B.P.

546
00:53:19,92 --> 00:53:22,40
Air are all the way down in Colombia.

547
00:53:22,40 --> 00:53:27,91
They're all over and that Department of
Homeland Security is not border exclusive.

548
00:53:27,91 --> 00:53:33,57
So those things are important to get out
as we talk about the Merida Initiative.

549
00:53:33,57 --> 00:53:37,89
Now in Colombia and in
Bolivia and in Peru.

550
00:53:37,89 --> 00:53:41,56
We had the same kind of basic
dilemmas where you see the violence

551
00:53:41,56 --> 00:53:44,96
and you see the transit and
all this type of thing

552
00:53:44,96 --> 00:53:50,92
but one of the things we early on invested
in whether it was the the Colombian

553
00:53:50,92 --> 00:53:53,85
National Police will powers in Bolivia

554
00:53:53,85 --> 00:53:59,86
and others as we invested in the law
enforcement getting that unit getting.

555
00:54:00,69 --> 00:54:07,65
Training making sure that they had
adequate pay. Even in the pay. If we're.

556
00:54:07,65 --> 00:54:13,10
It's partly cut off the head of the big
groups go after the big labs go after the

557
00:54:13,10 --> 00:54:17,74
big networks which we've been trying
to do or provide them helicopters

558
00:54:17,74 --> 00:54:21,17
and technical equipment. What
we've done or do in fact.

559
00:54:21,17 --> 00:54:24,94
How do we deal with this border question
because if the violence is right along our

560
00:54:24,94 --> 00:54:31,46
border it's over both directions and some
of that appears to be woefully underpaid.

561
00:54:31,46 --> 00:54:34,48
Police on the other side.

562
00:54:34,48 --> 00:54:38,80
Who are intimidated to
black protection who

563
00:54:38,80 --> 00:54:41,28
when they try to enforce
the law along the border

564
00:54:41,28 --> 00:54:46,74
and is there anything in the package
that is responding to that portion

565
00:54:46,74 --> 00:54:48,54
or is the package too small.

566
00:54:48,54 --> 00:54:51,54
Because we need to go after
the big pieces of equipment

567
00:54:51,54 --> 00:54:55,44
but what is actually being
done as it relates to the fact

568
00:54:55,44 --> 00:54:59,82
that unlike all our other narcotics
efforts. This is right along our border.

569
00:54:59,82 --> 00:55:04,07
And if I could have each.

570
00:55:04,07 --> 00:55:10,02
Park in power respond for

571
00:55:10,02 --> 00:55:13,40
individual programs but if I could
respond to a couple of things

572
00:55:13,40 --> 00:55:17,77
that you mentioned that a lot of
concentric circles really applies here.

573
00:55:17,77 --> 00:55:20,70
This is right this is not
just right along our border

574
00:55:20,70 --> 00:55:22,71
but it's it's also well into Mexico.

575
00:55:22,71 --> 00:55:29,21
This is an opportunity to give us a real
defense in depth not just right at the

576
00:55:29,21 --> 00:55:29,55
border

577
00:55:29,55 --> 00:55:34,79
but because the elements of our other law
enforcement agencies are both on the

578
00:55:34,79 --> 00:55:39,30
border on our side but they're also working
with their counterparts in Mexico City.

579
00:55:39,30 --> 00:55:44,86
We already have a program in Mexico City
funded at the level of thirty seven

580
00:55:44,86 --> 00:55:49,79
million dollars per year on law enforcement
assistance this initiative gives us the

581
00:55:49,79 --> 00:55:52,17
opportunity to greatly expand that

582
00:55:52,17 --> 00:55:57,60
and we have some success stories
already with nondestructive

583
00:55:57,60 --> 00:55:59,59
and testing equipment to intrusive.

584
00:56:00,00 --> 00:56:04,84
Surveillance vetted units that we
are going to seek to build on here.

585
00:56:04,84 --> 00:56:11,67
So I think we were building on a
program which is already begun on the

586
00:56:11,67 --> 00:56:16,84
investment in law enforcement a significant
part of the training here is for

587
00:56:16,84 --> 00:56:21,88
training for law enforcement it's to provide
Mexico with the ability to vet their

588
00:56:21,88 --> 00:56:26,01
entire federal police force
in order through polygraphs

589
00:56:26,01 --> 00:56:28,09
and through background investigation so

590
00:56:28,09 --> 00:56:32,77
that they have a greater reliance on the
integrity of their federal police force

591
00:56:32,77 --> 00:56:35,53
but I don't want to give
you false assurances here.

592
00:56:35,53 --> 00:56:40,62
What this doesn't provide funding for and
what this doesn't target is the state

593
00:56:40,62 --> 00:56:43,32
and local people and
those are the faces of

594
00:56:43,32 --> 00:56:45,41
that many people see it at the border

595
00:56:45,41 --> 00:56:49,88
and I think in a second wave if you will
that's something we'll want to talk to the

596
00:56:49,88 --> 00:56:53,27
Mexicans about but this is a very
big issue it's a big country

597
00:56:53,27 --> 00:56:55,92
and so I think the plus up

598
00:56:55,92 --> 00:57:00,24
that we're talking about here will give us
a substantial effort in order to seek to

599
00:57:00,24 --> 00:57:06,80
address the problem. Let me let me answer
your question in kind of three parts.

600
00:57:06,80 --> 00:57:09,04
The first is is to agree
with you completely

601
00:57:09,04 --> 00:57:13,15
that what we've come to understand at
the Department of Homeland Security is

602
00:57:13,15 --> 00:57:16,03
that Homeland Security
in fact begins overseas.

603
00:57:16,03 --> 00:57:20,77
We have more than two thousand people from
our Department stationed overseas in an

604
00:57:20,77 --> 00:57:23,29
operational capacity on a daily basis.

605
00:57:23,29 --> 00:57:27,27
Roughly thirty thirty five
percent of those are in Canada

606
00:57:27,27 --> 00:57:29,13
and Mexico in the Caribbean.

607
00:57:29,13 --> 00:57:32,76
Precisely because those areas are the
ones that are closest to the homeland

608
00:57:32,76 --> 00:57:38,04
and I like David's phrase concentric circles
this concentric circle closest to us

609
00:57:38,04 --> 00:57:42,86
what I often say is that a border is like
a point it has two faces and anything

610
00:57:42,86 --> 00:57:45,97
that happens on one side of the
border one side of the coin.

611
00:57:45,97 --> 00:57:51,58
Affects the other faces Well we have as you
know already begun a number of programs

612
00:57:51,58 --> 00:57:53,57
cooperatively

613
00:57:53,57 --> 00:57:58,28
and all focused on the southern border with
our Mexican counterparts that already.

614
00:57:58,28 --> 00:57:59,88
Give us a good foundation.

615
00:58:00,00 --> 00:58:02,77
The best program the
border enforcement program

616
00:58:02,77 --> 00:58:07,10
that we've started the oasis the
operation against smugglers program.

617
00:58:07,10 --> 00:58:08,82
Both of which are cooperative.

618
00:58:08,82 --> 00:58:14,45
Programs in which we work hand in
hand with our Mexican counterparts

619
00:58:14,45 --> 00:58:16,28
that you mentioned earlier a new one.

620
00:58:16,28 --> 00:58:23,15
That is just starting up the arm across
August which is an ice operated program to

621
00:58:23,15 --> 00:58:28,58
work against the flow of guns
southward into mass to Mexico.

622
00:58:28,58 --> 00:58:33,28
That's going to require cooperation with
A.T.F. and With our Mexican counterparts.

623
00:58:33,28 --> 00:58:40,26
What we'll do in this is the third part
of my answer is actually builds on those

624
00:58:40,26 --> 00:58:42,59
foundational relationships

625
00:58:42,59 --> 00:58:47,21
and expand them by allowing us to provide
better training better technical

626
00:58:47,21 --> 00:58:50,29
assistance more equipment. And.

627
00:58:50,29 --> 00:58:55,43
Then this is the hardest part to
quantify but and build relationships

628
00:58:55,43 --> 00:59:02,23
that are sustainable in a long term
way for a long time and the U.S.

629
00:59:02,23 --> 00:59:07,89
Mexican relationship has reflected a great
deal of of tension because of the nature

630
00:59:07,89 --> 00:59:10,70
of our border and the
nature of our history.

631
00:59:10,70 --> 00:59:13,83
And from our perspective from
the perspective of C.B.P.

632
00:59:13,83 --> 00:59:20,81
Border Patrol folks on the ground
represents a unique opportunity to work in

633
00:59:20,81 --> 00:59:24,68
a cooperative way. No longer pointing
fingers at each other across the border

634
00:59:24,68 --> 00:59:31,89
but to ramp up in a in a in a literally
a step function the degree of our.

635
00:59:31,89 --> 00:59:37,26
Cooperative relationship if we can do
this it will represent a significant

636
00:59:37,26 --> 00:59:44,67
opportunity for us.

637
00:59:44,67 --> 00:59:50,45
I will not recognize. For.

638
00:59:50,45 --> 00:59:54,43
Thank you Madam Chair. Gemma thank you
very much for your testimony today.

639
00:59:54,43 --> 00:59:59,50
We certainly all have a deep appreciation
of how difficult this problem is to deal

640
00:59:59,50 --> 01:00:03,40
with the. The scope of the drug
trade is obviously troubling

641
01:00:03,40 --> 01:00:10,37
and we're all frustrated in our
ability to significantly cut off

642
01:00:10,37 --> 01:00:14,01
the drug trade. I for one
think that this married.

643
01:00:14,01 --> 01:00:19,38
Death has great potential and
and and I look to support it.

644
01:00:19,38 --> 01:00:25,13
I do have some questions mainly
focused on coordination planning

645
01:00:25,13 --> 01:00:31,59
and implementation on the one hand as well
as training support on the other side.

646
01:00:31,59 --> 01:00:37,38
So if you could answer these questions
in the time allotted under the Merida

647
01:00:37,38 --> 01:00:40,00
initiative by D.H. US and its components.

648
01:00:40,00 --> 01:00:44,72
Would provide a significant amount of
the assets Centex techno expertise.

649
01:00:44,72 --> 01:00:51,66
Because of the lodge investment would
be making it's obviously extremely

650
01:00:51,66 --> 01:00:56,84
important that the department is
involved in every step of the planning

651
01:00:56,84 --> 01:00:59,27
and implementation of the initiative.

652
01:00:59,27 --> 01:01:03,20
So my question here is are you satisfied
with the level of involvement

653
01:01:03,20 --> 01:01:10,10
that the department has had in the
formulation of the Merida Initiative.

654
01:01:10,10 --> 01:01:14,28
And what can be done to improve communication
channels among all the different

655
01:01:14,28 --> 01:01:15,91
departments involved.

656
01:01:15,91 --> 01:01:19,86
And in ministration initiative

657
01:01:19,86 --> 01:01:26,58
and would it be beneficial to have an
interagency coordinating body at the helm of

658
01:01:26,58 --> 01:01:27,81
the read initiative.

659
01:01:27,81 --> 01:01:33,41
And if so what would it look like
I'm the on the training part of it.

660
01:01:33,41 --> 01:01:38,18
The Merida Initiative obviously
calls for the delivery of major.

661
01:01:38,18 --> 01:01:41,88
Aviation assets inspection equipment.

662
01:01:41,88 --> 01:01:47,84
Hardware from the Coast
Guard and U.S. Visit.

663
01:01:47,84 --> 01:01:51,52
So will the will the
process during the day

664
01:01:51,52 --> 01:01:55,49
and delivering what will I should
say the process of securing

665
01:01:55,49 --> 01:01:59,44
and delivering these assets.
To Mexico and Central America.

666
01:02:00,28 --> 01:02:04,59
And will any private contractors
be used to help deliver.

667
01:02:04,59 --> 01:02:05,23
The training

668
01:02:05,23 --> 01:02:09,52
and the tactile expertise needed to actually
operate the equipment since obviously

669
01:02:09,52 --> 01:02:15,87
it is really going to be only as effective
as those who are using it to get

670
01:02:15,87 --> 01:02:17,21
those questions.

671
01:02:17,21 --> 01:02:21,98
Why don't I try on the first one

672
01:02:21,98 --> 01:02:24,99
and I'll let David answer the first one

673
01:02:24,99 --> 01:02:29,25
and most of the second one about the process
for procurement since probably manage

674
01:02:29,25 --> 01:02:29,92
most of

675
01:02:29,92 --> 01:02:34,86
that asking someone who participates on
a day to day basis in the interagency

676
01:02:34,86 --> 01:02:39,73
process how he likes it is a bit like asking
for the self assessment of a marriage

677
01:02:39,73 --> 01:02:43,81
or something like that there are
there are ups and downs but by

678
01:02:43,81 --> 01:02:49,64
and large it's been quite cooperative to
be sure there are there are aspects of

679
01:02:49,64 --> 01:02:51,89
what D.H.S.S.

680
01:02:51,89 --> 01:02:52,70
Would want to do

681
01:02:52,70 --> 01:02:58,84
that are not are not going to be the highest
priority in the interagency community

682
01:02:58,84 --> 01:03:00,49
equally so however.

683
01:03:00,49 --> 01:03:05,27
We're working hard with our interagency
partners to prioritize this to a great

684
01:03:05,27 --> 01:03:13,22
degree how much we will do will depend a
lot on how much funding we get overall so.

685
01:03:13,22 --> 01:03:19,45
The interagency process becomes very easy
if the pie is very big it becomes harder

686
01:03:19,45 --> 01:03:25,85
as scarce resources are competed over.
That's the nature of the beast.

687
01:03:25,85 --> 01:03:31,26
I'm afraid I certainly
anticipate that going forward.

688
01:03:31,26 --> 01:03:36,29
There will be close coordination
on an interagency basis

689
01:03:36,29 --> 01:03:37,89
and setting those priorities.

690
01:03:37,89 --> 01:03:42,84
Ultimately though at least as
Conwy structured it's i n l money

691
01:03:42,84 --> 01:03:44,50
that is being funded

692
01:03:44,50 --> 01:03:50,43
and I know has its own sets of procedures
in the end to distribute those so do you

693
01:03:50,43 --> 01:03:57,32
need an interagency coordinating
body at the helm of

694
01:03:57,32 --> 01:03:59,70
this Merida initiative to make sure.

695
01:04:00,00 --> 01:04:03,00
You know it stays on track
and you have cooperation

696
01:04:03,00 --> 01:04:09,64
that we need to make the
program effective the

697
01:04:09,64 --> 01:04:15,73
existing process will I think have to
have to this point I can't envision

698
01:04:15,73 --> 01:04:21,62
the creation of a formal coordinating
structure at this point.

699
01:04:21,62 --> 01:04:28,30
The existing processes will no
doubt provide us a venue for

700
01:04:28,30 --> 01:04:33,74
providing the. Thank you Congressman.

701
01:04:33,74 --> 01:04:36,88
One thing to what Paul said.

702
01:04:36,88 --> 01:04:42,14
I think actually has been an extraordinary
degree of cooperation among the

703
01:04:42,14 --> 01:04:44,30
interagency law enforcement

704
01:04:44,30 --> 01:04:49,55
and national security team on this working
through the initial assessment working

705
01:04:49,55 --> 01:04:53,52
through how the implementation
has to be done.

706
01:04:53,52 --> 01:05:00,11
As someone who is a veteran
of arms control interagency

707
01:05:00,11 --> 01:05:05,90
groups marveled at how we see a common
person and where we're working together.

708
01:05:05,90 --> 01:05:08,47
So I'm I'm I'm pleased.

709
01:05:08,47 --> 01:05:13,66
Paul is right this is a foreign
assistance program and it's not money.

710
01:05:13,66 --> 01:05:16,22
It's the secretary of state's
foreign assistance account

711
01:05:16,22 --> 01:05:20,48
and so ultimately she has to make
those end of the day to terminations

712
01:05:20,48 --> 01:05:26,07
but her charge to me is to work in full
cooperation with the entire interagency

713
01:05:26,07 --> 01:05:30,41
community where the where the arguments
really tend to come down are between law

714
01:05:30,41 --> 01:05:34,19
enforcement agencies rather
than between me and Paul.

715
01:05:34,19 --> 01:05:39,97
It's a matter of dealing with the economic
problem of scarcity which always exists.

716
01:05:39,97 --> 01:05:43,40
I think we've done a good job.

717
01:05:43,40 --> 01:05:45,12
Thus far and when

718
01:05:45,12 --> 01:05:50,14
and as were provided with appropriate funds
we intend to make whatever changes are

719
01:05:50,14 --> 01:05:51,21
required because of that

720
01:05:51,21 --> 01:05:55,67
but to do it working as a team
there as well in terms of the.

721
01:05:55,67 --> 01:05:58,74
The acquisition process.
This will be done.

722
01:06:00,00 --> 01:06:01,42
Government procurement

723
01:06:01,42 --> 01:06:06,96
and other projects as well if
possible on a competitive basis.

724
01:06:06,96 --> 01:06:12,76
If there is indeed a sole source which is
which is argued for because of the unique

725
01:06:12,76 --> 01:06:14,86
nature of equipment we will do that

726
01:06:14,86 --> 01:06:18,68
but we will we will sharpen our pencil
just as far as we can because we want this

727
01:06:18,68 --> 01:06:24,15
money to go as far as we can make it go.
And there will indeed be private sector.

728
01:06:24,15 --> 01:06:28,49
Teams involved where appropriate particularly
on the training for highly technical

729
01:06:28,49 --> 01:06:33,88
equipment so that the
equipment can be operated.

730
01:06:33,88 --> 01:06:36,44
Affected at the same time.

731
01:06:36,44 --> 01:06:41,10
We'll be bringing in those who operate.

732
01:06:41,10 --> 01:06:43,63
Similar equipment in the United States so

733
01:06:43,63 --> 01:06:48,63
that they can build those relationships and
profit from the data that's generated.

734
01:06:48,63 --> 01:06:49,18
Thank you.

735
01:06:49,18 --> 01:06:54,91
Thank you thank you Madam Chair

736
01:06:54,91 --> 01:07:00,66
or thank the witnesses for being here
today in my judgment the situation at the

737
01:07:00,66 --> 01:07:03,15
border US Mexico border.

738
01:07:03,15 --> 01:07:07,56
Presents and imminent threat to
the security of this nation.

739
01:07:07,56 --> 01:07:11,48
Before running for Congress. I served
in the Justice Department in the U.S.

740
01:07:11,48 --> 01:07:14,21
Attorney's office terrorism.

741
01:07:14,21 --> 01:07:18,32
And I had a large portion of the
Mexican border in my jurisdiction.

742
01:07:18,32 --> 01:07:22,25
And even then we could see the
threat from the drug cartels.

743
01:07:22,25 --> 01:07:26,45
Controlling the routes into this country
exporting the drugs to human trafficking

744
01:07:26,45 --> 01:07:32,86
in the post nine eleven world increased
in terms of what is coming into this

745
01:07:32,86 --> 01:07:37,14
country. I think.

746
01:07:37,14 --> 01:07:42,34
We've done a lot but I think the best
defense is a good often. Sometimes.

747
01:07:42,34 --> 01:07:47,17
I think if we can take this fight the
drug cartels directly through a military

748
01:07:47,17 --> 01:07:51,20
strategy that that will get to the
root cause of so many of the problems

749
01:07:51,20 --> 01:07:56,71
that we have on the border and
I went down to Mexico City.

750
01:07:56,71 --> 01:07:59,04
On a homeland security delegation
met with President Calderon.

751
01:08:00,00 --> 01:08:04,12
And I was struck by the sincerity of the
political will to actually get something

752
01:08:04,12 --> 01:08:10,04
done in terms of security his dedication
thirty thousand troops to the border.

753
01:08:10,04 --> 01:08:11,19
Is significant

754
01:08:11,19 --> 01:08:18,10
and he asked for our assistance at
the same time we have a long force

755
01:08:18,10 --> 01:08:19,39
on our side who were outgunned

756
01:08:19,39 --> 01:08:24,89
and outmanned on the Foreign Affairs
Committee on which we marked up this

757
01:08:24,89 --> 01:08:26,00
initiative.

758
01:08:26,00 --> 01:08:26,91
And I had an amendment

759
01:08:26,91 --> 01:08:30,94
that would provide equal funding for law
enforcement on this side of the border

760
01:08:30,94 --> 01:08:36,17
primarily through the process Operation
Streamline and other programs

761
01:08:36,17 --> 01:08:41,71
but I have two questions one just
went to the State Department

762
01:08:41,71 --> 01:08:47,90
has a role in all this.

763
01:08:47,90 --> 01:08:53,98
I hope this comes through this committee
so we have a chance to mark this

764
01:08:53,98 --> 01:08:59,60
and show some oversight on this
initiative but it seems to me

765
01:08:59,60 --> 01:09:04,05
that we ought to be also talking about
providing funding to the Department of

766
01:09:04,05 --> 01:09:05,08
Homeland Security.

767
01:09:05,08 --> 01:09:11,17
To provide a more comprehensive border
security strategy on both sides.

768
01:09:11,17 --> 01:09:14,25
We can hit the drug cartels
on the Mexican side

769
01:09:14,25 --> 01:09:20,44
and then provide resources necessary to
defend defend our side of the border.

770
01:09:20,44 --> 01:09:23,49
My view that's the best strategy.

771
01:09:23,49 --> 01:09:26,33
If you would mind commenting on that

772
01:09:26,33 --> 01:09:33,26
and to the State Department you know
we knew we were done this before to

773
01:09:33,26 --> 01:09:37,19
some extent what we did in Colombia
is very similar to what the plan is.

774
01:09:37,19 --> 01:09:38,56
And if you could.

775
01:09:38,56 --> 01:09:45,29
Mr Johnson talk about to me about the
package for anti-corruption a lot of my

776
01:09:45,29 --> 01:09:47,64
constituents are concerned
about the corruption Mexico

777
01:09:47,64 --> 01:09:49,59
and how this will be dealt with

778
01:09:49,59 --> 01:09:54,37
and also what type of metrics you
would use to quantify success here.

779
01:09:54,37 --> 01:09:58,79
We were successful in doing this in
Colombia seems to me if we do this right.

780
01:09:58,79 --> 01:10:02,70
We can be success. In
this initiative. As well.

781
01:10:02,70 --> 01:10:09,56
I couldn't agree

782
01:10:09,56 --> 01:10:10,11
with you more

783
01:10:10,11 --> 01:10:15,75
that our approach to the border requires
a cooperative relationship across

784
01:10:15,75 --> 01:10:20,35
that we have through operational programs

785
01:10:20,35 --> 01:10:25,95
that I just cried earlier.
Best armistice Ottis.

786
01:10:25,95 --> 01:10:26,71
Begun doing

787
01:10:26,71 --> 01:10:31,88
that often in cooperation with our
Department of Justice colleagues we run our

788
01:10:31,88 --> 01:10:36,90
colleagues on many counter across border
counternarcotics operations in conjunction

789
01:10:36,90 --> 01:10:42,21
with. Our colleagues work
with A.T.F. On cross border.

790
01:10:42,21 --> 01:10:48,87
Firearms trafficking as
well. To the extent that.

791
01:10:48,87 --> 01:10:53,42
Your speaking about
operational activities.

792
01:10:53,42 --> 01:10:54,41
Those funding

793
01:10:54,41 --> 01:11:00,05
that funding comes out of our existing
appropriations sing appropriations

794
01:11:00,05 --> 01:11:03,75
and like any good bureaucrat I can
always use more and send more money.

795
01:11:03,75 --> 01:11:05,10
We will put it to good use.

796
01:11:05,10 --> 01:11:10,06
Because I follow but I would like
your specific recommendation.

797
01:11:10,06 --> 01:11:14,85
If this committee decided authorize more
funding for this side of the border. For.

798
01:11:14,85 --> 01:11:19,66
Federal law enforcement state and local
What you're proposing would be for

799
01:11:19,66 --> 01:11:24,36
that funding and. Can I get you.

800
01:11:24,36 --> 01:11:30,37
I mean obviously we have a long detailed
wish list of things ranging from Operation

801
01:11:30,37 --> 01:11:34,11
fire wall which is an ice. Counter.

802
01:11:34,11 --> 01:11:36,04
Counter arms program that

803
01:11:36,04 --> 01:11:40,96
that could well more funding Oasis only
covers portions of the border now with

804
01:11:40,96 --> 01:11:44,19
enhanced funding it could it
could operationally fund.

805
01:11:44,19 --> 01:11:50,48
Be extended from Brownsville to
San Diego. Those sorts of things.

806
01:11:50,48 --> 01:11:56,80
Formal requests for money have to be
cleared through the hospice of Management

807
01:11:56,80 --> 01:11:57,05
and Budget.

808
01:12:00,00 --> 01:12:04,26
Your response to the corruption issue

809
01:12:04,26 --> 01:12:09,16
on the corruption question.

810
01:12:09,16 --> 01:12:10,58
We're highly focused on

811
01:12:10,58 --> 01:12:15,69
that significant element of the
first year proposal for Mexico.

812
01:12:15,69 --> 01:12:22,31
Well allow us to train Mexican law
enforcement so that it can do its polygraph

813
01:12:22,31 --> 01:12:29,24
and background investigations ultimately
for the entire Mexican Initially we

814
01:12:29,24 --> 01:12:31,85
will be building vetted units so

815
01:12:31,85 --> 01:12:35,74
that we are more sure of who we're
dealing with on an informational side

816
01:12:35,74 --> 01:12:37,69
but we'll be moving

817
01:12:37,69 --> 01:12:42,51
that process as rapidly as we can assisting
the Mexicans in their own vetting

818
01:12:42,51 --> 01:12:43,54
process.

819
01:12:43,54 --> 01:12:48,45
But I think the larger issue is the real
reform of the justice system in Mexico.

820
01:12:48,45 --> 01:12:54,07
There's a portion of this which
also provides for a point system so

821
01:12:54,07 --> 01:12:55,12
that there is a greater transparency

822
01:12:55,12 --> 01:12:58,10
and a greater trust in the
rule of law in Mexico

823
01:12:58,10 --> 01:13:03,95
and we have a broader program which is
changing in cooperation with the political

824
01:13:03,95 --> 01:13:08,02
courage that President Calderon the
changing their justice system so

825
01:13:08,02 --> 01:13:09,73
that it is adversarial

826
01:13:09,73 --> 01:13:15,59
and open rather than based on a
decision behind closed doors so

827
01:13:15,59 --> 01:13:16,88
that the Mexican people

828
01:13:16,88 --> 01:13:23,71
and indeed there's already a pilot program
has already been done in the Mexican

829
01:13:23,71 --> 01:13:26,96
state of Chihuahua since the first
of this year and we believe that

830
01:13:26,96 --> 01:13:28,74
that type of openness and transparency

831
01:13:28,74 --> 01:13:32,11
and real change in the
rule of law in Mexico.

832
01:13:32,11 --> 01:13:34,02
As our best hope for the long run

833
01:13:34,02 --> 01:13:40,26
and I think that'll show your constituents
the ability to see a less corrupt

834
01:13:40,26 --> 01:13:41,48
monitoring

835
01:13:41,48 --> 01:13:47,62
and it will be the same
type of in use monitoring

836
01:13:47,62 --> 01:13:53,68
that we did

837
01:13:53,68 --> 01:13:58,22
but unfortunately when.

838
01:14:00,00 --> 01:14:06,06
The important

839
01:14:06,06 --> 01:14:10,15
extremely

840
01:14:10,15 --> 01:14:16,06
ranking member

841
01:14:16,06 --> 01:14:22,71
requesting that we be doing.

842
01:14:22,71 --> 01:14:25,65
For the border

843
01:14:25,65 --> 01:14:35,58
with

844
01:14:35,58 --> 01:14:35,99
the chairman

845
01:14:35,99 --> 01:14:43,51
and the ranking member of the Ask a

846
01:14:43,51 --> 01:14:49,95
question of Homeland

847
01:14:49,95 --> 01:14:53,74
Security. I mean I would like
to solve the whole problem

848
01:14:53,74 --> 01:15:00,69
but we've had a drug war
on our hands we don't

849
01:15:00,69 --> 01:15:05,07
seem to be getting control of the border

850
01:15:05,07 --> 01:15:09,68
and we've got to stop this from happening

851
01:15:09,68 --> 01:15:14,71
and the Department of Homeland Security
has to be funded and have to be doing.

852
01:15:14,71 --> 01:15:21,42
I think it would be a great
question one other comment I

853
01:15:21,42 --> 01:15:26,75
have worked with.

854
01:15:26,75 --> 01:15:33,47
But.

855
01:15:33,47 --> 01:15:40,11
On the ground for

856
01:15:40,11 --> 01:15:42,40
government work

857
01:15:42,40 --> 01:15:55,91
but we have questions

858
01:15:55,91 --> 01:15:59,42
nor anybody with.

859
01:16:00,00 --> 01:16:05,67
The Office of National Drug Control Policy
we created a drug czar who was supposed

860
01:16:05,67 --> 01:16:10,29
to be a state where our.

861
01:16:10,29 --> 01:16:16,67
Thank you Mr Sattar now recognize
Mr Green in Texas for five minutes.

862
01:16:16,67 --> 01:16:20,03
Thank you Madam Chair. I
want to compliment you on.

863
01:16:20,03 --> 01:16:24,48
Hosting an outstanding hearing and
Mr Ranking Member as well thank you.

864
01:16:24,48 --> 01:16:32,96
And I thank the witnesses for
appearing on the metadata.

865
01:16:32,96 --> 01:16:37,84
Thank you. But many the.

866
01:16:37,84 --> 01:16:44,81
Plan if you will call such
because it was consummated in

867
01:16:44,81 --> 01:16:46,73
method I may call.

868
01:16:46,73 --> 01:16:49,92
Has evolved into two
bills one in the house

869
01:16:49,92 --> 01:16:54,50
and one of the Senate one in the Senate
worth about one hundred million dollars

870
01:16:54,50 --> 01:16:56,59
That includes money for Haiti.

871
01:16:56,59 --> 01:17:03,54
One in the house worth about sixty one
point five million dollars with money for.

872
01:17:03,54 --> 01:17:06,43
Haiti and other countries as well.

873
01:17:06,43 --> 01:17:10,04
This is exclusively for these countries
as an additional four hundred million

874
01:17:10,04 --> 01:17:11,21
dollars in the House bill

875
01:17:11,21 --> 01:17:16,83
and handed additional three hundred million
dollars beliefs three hundred fifty

876
01:17:16,83 --> 01:17:21,07
million dollars in the Senate bill and
I'm mentioning Haiti because I know

877
01:17:21,07 --> 01:17:23,30
that your plate is full.

878
01:17:23,30 --> 01:17:30,28
But because it has evolved into a
look at an opportunity I believe

879
01:17:30,28 --> 01:17:36,06
to try to combat this problem in the
hemisphere as opposed to isolated

880
01:17:36,06 --> 01:17:40,53
and one area I just want to mention to
you something about Haiti because I just

881
01:17:40,53 --> 01:17:45,39
visited Haiti. And for those
who may not be aware.

882
01:17:45,39 --> 01:17:51,75
Haiti has a has unemployment
rate of about sixty six percent

883
01:17:51,75 --> 01:17:58,03
poverty rate is eighty percent. Seventy
percent of the people live off of.

884
01:17:58,03 --> 01:17:59,19
Less than two dollars a day.

885
01:18:00,00 --> 01:18:04,17
About fifty six percent of the people
live off of less than one dollar per day.

886
01:18:04,17 --> 01:18:09,85
Has the highest AIDS rate
in the Western Hemisphere.

887
01:18:09,85 --> 01:18:13,49
We have four seasons Haiti has five.

888
01:18:13,49 --> 01:18:18,77
In addition to the four that we
have Haiti has a hunger season.

889
01:18:18,77 --> 01:18:23,03
A hunger season when people prognosticate
that people will be hungry.

890
01:18:23,03 --> 01:18:26,30
And that some may perish.

891
01:18:26,30 --> 01:18:29,49
I mention this because we
met with President Preval

892
01:18:29,49 --> 01:18:36,54
and he indicated what I'm hearing
with reference to President Calderon.

893
01:18:36,54 --> 01:18:41,11
A desire to have assistance from the United
States government to help with the drug

894
01:18:41,11 --> 01:18:42,20
trafficking.

895
01:18:42,20 --> 01:18:48,81
Haiti is becoming a station
if you will between the U.S.

896
01:18:48,81 --> 01:18:56,34
and Other places for drug dealers
to stage their activities.

897
01:18:56,34 --> 01:19:02,16
And he has given the same clarion call
for help and I'm very pleased to see

898
01:19:02,16 --> 01:19:05,78
that their money is going to
Haiti. To provide some assistance.

899
01:19:05,78 --> 01:19:07,65
We have a big problem.

900
01:19:07,65 --> 01:19:09,22
It is it is one

901
01:19:09,22 --> 01:19:15,66
that requires a
comprehensive security plan

902
01:19:15,66 --> 01:19:19,81
that includes what you are doing.

903
01:19:19,81 --> 01:19:25,46
Combined with what's happening at the
border itself coordinated among all of the

904
01:19:25,46 --> 01:19:26,13
various entities

905
01:19:26,13 --> 01:19:33,07
that can can make this work for us because
it is not just while I I want us to deal

906
01:19:33,07 --> 01:19:34,65
with the land border.

907
01:19:34,65 --> 01:19:40,62
It also is the border between
Haiti and the United States

908
01:19:40,62 --> 01:19:42,65
and we have to concern ourselves with too.

909
01:19:42,65 --> 01:19:47,33
And we have all of this to police
to protect the American people.

910
01:19:47,33 --> 01:19:53,83
So my question to you is can you give me
as quickly as you can because my time has

911
01:19:53,83 --> 01:19:59,01
is quickly moving. Some indication of
how we are doing with the the Haitian.

912
01:20:00,00 --> 01:20:02,79
Portion of what this has evolved into.

913
01:20:02,79 --> 01:20:09,38
Congressman thank thank
you very much. The.

914
01:20:09,38 --> 01:20:15,86
The threat of export of particularly
cocaine is not just in Haiti

915
01:20:15,86 --> 01:20:19,40
but because of the behavior of the
Venezuelan government in particular

916
01:20:19,40 --> 01:20:24,48
and allowing its border region to be used
as a transit zone as infected affected

917
01:20:24,48 --> 01:20:27,67
the entire island of Hispaniola
also in American republic

918
01:20:27,67 --> 01:20:34,58
and so we have programs in both
sides of the island to help deal

919
01:20:34,58 --> 01:20:36,31
with this they are not large.

920
01:20:36,31 --> 01:20:42,29
The monies that you mentioned that
are in I believe the the Senate bill

921
01:20:42,29 --> 01:20:45,82
that are directed to Haiti
and the Dominican Republic.

922
01:20:45,82 --> 01:20:50,59
Are not part of the administration's
proposal so we do not yet have developed

923
01:20:50,59 --> 01:20:53,74
programs as to how those
monies might be spent.

924
01:20:53,74 --> 01:20:57,47
Anything I would say to you today
would be would be speculative

925
01:20:57,47 --> 01:21:00,78
but let me let me say this then given
that I have one hundred seconds.

926
01:21:00,78 --> 01:21:03,43
I trust

927
01:21:03,43 --> 01:21:10,15
that the plans will be developed because
one of the great human tragedies of

928
01:21:10,15 --> 01:21:15,15
our time is occurring just off
the coast of Florida in Haiti.

929
01:21:15,15 --> 01:21:21,66
And it is a staging area now it is going
to evolve into more if we don't do more.

930
01:21:21,66 --> 01:21:23,80
Final comment is this.

931
01:21:23,80 --> 01:21:29,03
We have to deal with the movers and
to with two methodologies one.

932
01:21:29,03 --> 01:21:31,44
Arrest lock up punish

933
01:21:31,44 --> 01:21:37,50
but we also have to deal with those
who prospected movers and we need.

934
01:21:37,50 --> 01:21:42,72
Madam Chair and some of our cities
major urban areas some job programs.

935
01:21:42,72 --> 01:21:44,37
For young people.

936
01:21:44,37 --> 01:21:50,20
For people who find themselves
without opportunities

937
01:21:50,20 --> 01:21:52,65
and who may engage in some activities

938
01:21:52,65 --> 01:21:56,05
that I don't condone I think you can
you can be poor not be a criminal

939
01:21:56,05 --> 01:22:01,89
but seems that poverty is attracting
a lot of people. To criminality.

940
01:22:01,89 --> 01:22:07,80
So my contention is this is bigger than
what we're talking about today although

941
01:22:07,80 --> 01:22:11,36
this is what we have to deal with today
and I respect what you're doing.

942
01:22:11,36 --> 01:22:17,86
But this is this is a major major concern
in the inner cities of this country

943
01:22:17,86 --> 01:22:20,94
because the movers that we
are dealing with today.

944
01:22:20,94 --> 01:22:26,37
Can be replaced with persons from.
Areas of the country that we live in.

945
01:22:26,37 --> 01:22:32,59
And I think that has to be dealt
with. Thank you. Just briefly.

946
01:22:32,59 --> 01:22:38,63
Congressman I don't want to leave
you with the misimpression

947
01:22:38,63 --> 01:22:44,12
that is not engaged in Haiti we have a
number of people there many of whom are

948
01:22:44,12 --> 01:22:50,40
doing precisely the counter-narcotics
strengthening already even in the absence of

949
01:22:50,40 --> 01:22:50,84
the method

950
01:22:50,84 --> 01:22:55,56
that you're talking about we have a
substantial number of Coast Guard presence

951
01:22:55,56 --> 01:23:00,44
presence who are working in the region.

952
01:23:00,44 --> 01:23:05,34
With the Haitian government would
be happy at some juncture to come

953
01:23:05,34 --> 01:23:08,48
and give you more detail about
precisely what we're doing there.

954
01:23:08,48 --> 01:23:13,67
As with as with America we could
always use more resources to provide

955
01:23:13,67 --> 01:23:20,32
that sort of assistance but I wouldn't
want you to feel or mistakenly believe

956
01:23:20,32 --> 01:23:23,88
that we are not as concerned
about Haiti as you are.

957
01:23:23,88 --> 01:23:27,39
I have a unit that focuses
exclusively on the Caribbean in

958
01:23:27,39 --> 01:23:33,73
that the main places on their mind is
Haiti right now. Thank you Madam Chair.

959
01:23:33,73 --> 01:23:36,38
Thank you Mr grain and
I would just mention

960
01:23:36,38 --> 01:23:39,37
that as you know I'm a big supporter
of the jobs programs for youth

961
01:23:39,37 --> 01:23:41,57
and very disappointed

962
01:23:41,57 --> 01:23:47,31
that it has been cut out from the
supplemental will do everything we can

963
01:23:47,31 --> 01:23:48,56
and I agree with you especially

964
01:23:48,56 --> 01:23:54,54
when we see area like yours down there in
Houston where it's much better to employ

965
01:23:54,54 --> 01:23:59,76
for us to employ them for drug
cartels to ensnare them so.

966
01:24:00,00 --> 01:24:03,88
Thank you for bringing that up. Not.

967
01:24:03,88 --> 01:24:09,75
Five minutes and I want to thank you.

968
01:24:09,75 --> 01:24:13,53
The ranking member for
the leadership provided.

969
01:24:13,53 --> 01:24:16,75
When we talk about the matter that
we have to keep in mind as you know

970
01:24:16,75 --> 01:24:20,26
that it involves only Mexico
but also Central America

971
01:24:20,26 --> 01:24:25,59
and we got one of the Central American
ambassadors here with a mind big picture

972
01:24:25,59 --> 01:24:27,47
here and we appreciate the leadership

973
01:24:27,47 --> 01:24:31,92
that you have an important
year for me because.

974
01:24:31,92 --> 01:24:34,59
Back about three years ago
we started talking about.

975
01:24:34,59 --> 01:24:39,11
Border violence.

976
01:24:39,11 --> 01:24:43,48
We understand what's been happening veteran
service we appreciate your leadership

977
01:24:43,48 --> 01:24:49,85
we start off with an issue.
The right across America.

978
01:24:49,85 --> 01:24:56,17
We had about sixty missing
Americans actually some of them.

979
01:24:56,17 --> 01:24:58,04
Because they happen to
be in the wrong place.

980
01:24:58,04 --> 01:24:59,17
Some of them because either they

981
01:24:59,17 --> 01:25:06,56
or their family were involved
never showed up again some

982
01:25:06,56 --> 01:25:07,43
of them have been missing.

983
01:25:07,43 --> 01:25:13,71
We appreciate the State Department
through a mass kidnapping task force

984
01:25:13,71 --> 01:25:14,63
that helped set up

985
01:25:14,63 --> 01:25:18,86
that I think finally opened up some
of the investigations in Mexico.

986
01:25:18,86 --> 01:25:20,05
We appreciate that.

987
01:25:20,05 --> 01:25:25,10
Back in two thousand and five my
office we start a couple things.

988
01:25:25,10 --> 01:25:30,37
We started the program my
office put together. A.T.F.

989
01:25:30,37 --> 01:25:32,85
and Other folks and I know that now you.

990
01:25:32,85 --> 01:25:35,15
Expand that to other cities
and we appreciate that.

991
01:25:35,15 --> 01:25:40,72
But we also pass some legislation that
border violence task force that I hope

992
01:25:40,72 --> 01:25:42,32
that you all can look at

993
01:25:42,32 --> 01:25:47,93
and we certainly want to work with authorized
like Michael McAuliffe So we've got

994
01:25:47,93 --> 01:25:50,57
to do our share on this side also because

995
01:25:50,57 --> 01:25:57,29
that works with our federal state local
and of course we appreciate that.

996
01:25:57,29 --> 01:25:58,82
We also have to look at.

997
01:26:00,00 --> 01:26:03,24
Some of the tools have been available
to us for example the F.B.I.

998
01:26:03,24 --> 01:26:09,61
Gang intelligence center I think I
think we put in ten million dollars.

999
01:26:09,61 --> 01:26:13,46
Gangs that come across the border where
they're from Central America from Mexico

1000
01:26:13,46 --> 01:26:15,64
or the U.S. Base where.

1001
01:26:15,64 --> 01:26:18,73
We've got to look at some of those whether
it's a border violence task force.

1002
01:26:18,73 --> 01:26:23,25
Where is the best program and I know
there's other programs up there.

1003
01:26:23,25 --> 01:26:24,66
The gang intelligence center

1004
01:26:24,66 --> 01:26:29,38
that we're spending ten million dollars a
year right now we have to look at those

1005
01:26:29,38 --> 01:26:29,66
tools

1006
01:26:29,66 --> 01:26:36,73
but the bottom line is
actually we started the

1007
01:26:36,73 --> 01:26:39,00
first initiative we call
it the med initiative.

1008
01:26:39,00 --> 01:26:40,70
The president's press
and we appreciate that

1009
01:26:40,70 --> 01:26:46,26
but we actually five o two back
in January of two thousand

1010
01:26:46,26 --> 01:26:52,70
and seven that we did because being
from the border and I'm glad

1011
01:26:52,70 --> 01:26:55,79
that the rest of the nation
is picking up an issue

1012
01:26:55,79 --> 01:26:59,36
that we've been looking at
Laredo right in the border.

1013
01:26:59,36 --> 01:27:05,71
We've seen my brother was a narcotics
with the state for twenty five years

1014
01:27:05,71 --> 01:27:10,23
and tell me it's difficult sometimes
working with the Mexican side because

1015
01:27:10,23 --> 01:27:13,98
sometimes you don't know who's a
good apple and who's the bad apple

1016
01:27:13,98 --> 01:27:18,07
but it's one of those things that
intelligence is so important to us.

1017
01:27:18,07 --> 01:27:21,48
I just want to emphasize the
intelligence part of it.

1018
01:27:21,48 --> 01:27:26,68
The information that you work with them
because it is very very very important

1019
01:27:26,68 --> 01:27:28,78
that we continue doing this

1020
01:27:28,78 --> 01:27:35,46
but I would ask you to do a
couple of things one is the

1021
01:27:35,46 --> 01:27:39,09
border task force kidnapping.

1022
01:27:39,09 --> 01:27:42,91
I mean we started the first
best program the border

1023
01:27:42,91 --> 01:27:48,60
and the border violence task
for support of this initiative

1024
01:27:48,60 --> 01:27:51,77
but we still can't forget that
there are still some families

1025
01:27:51,77 --> 01:27:55,82
that still have family
members who are missing.

1026
01:27:55,82 --> 01:27:59,76
So whatever yall can do to pressure the
Mexican side. And I know I've talked to.

1027
01:28:00,00 --> 01:28:05,71
But anything that you can do to
help with the missing Americans.

1028
01:28:05,71 --> 01:28:06,80
I would appreciate

1029
01:28:06,80 --> 01:28:14,00
that part of my question is even

1030
01:28:14,00 --> 01:28:17,54
aware of the missing
Americans. Mr JOHNSON.

1031
01:28:17,54 --> 01:28:24,28
Congressman I'm certainly aware of the
effort has undertaken to working with

1032
01:28:24,28 --> 01:28:25,23
the Mexicans

1033
01:28:25,23 --> 01:28:29,57
and working with law enforcement on
this side of the border to bring

1034
01:28:29,57 --> 01:28:31,54
that issue to the fore.

1035
01:28:31,54 --> 01:28:37,74
It's not part of an issue if
you will we have not included.

1036
01:28:37,74 --> 01:28:41,58
You know some aspect of it on the
other hand the types of things

1037
01:28:41,58 --> 01:28:46,40
that are part of this initiative
build the rule of law so

1038
01:28:46,40 --> 01:28:50,16
that we can support the very thing that
you're talking about and make the border.

1039
01:28:50,16 --> 01:28:56,77
Safer if I could I would like your permission
to look into how more specifically

1040
01:28:56,77 --> 01:29:01,18
the efforts we have here would
reinforce the search for the missing

1041
01:29:01,18 --> 01:29:05,84
and get back to you on that Madam
Chair Thank you very much.

1042
01:29:05,84 --> 01:29:11,73
I thank the gentleman from Laredo.
And I believe for five minutes.

1043
01:29:11,73 --> 01:29:17,64
Thank you Madam Chairwoman I think
this initiative is an important one

1044
01:29:17,64 --> 01:29:22,36
and I agree that there are so many different
elements that need to be addressed.

1045
01:29:22,36 --> 01:29:28,79
Certainly Mexico is done more than we
have in some of these areas I mean to

1046
01:29:28,79 --> 01:29:31,89
completely ban precursor
chemicals we haven't done that

1047
01:29:31,89 --> 01:29:37,72
and certainly I admire
their efforts to bring

1048
01:29:37,72 --> 01:29:42,06
transparency and reform of their
criminal justice system and

1049
01:29:42,06 --> 01:29:46,22
that is a difficult thing to do and
something that they're moving forward on

1050
01:29:46,22 --> 01:29:50,22
and it's quite admirable when you
think about the number of people

1051
01:29:50,22 --> 01:29:55,65
that have been lost in Mexico in the fights
with the drug cartels as thousands of

1052
01:29:55,65 --> 01:29:59,92
people have lost their lives
in this fight. And so certain.

1053
01:30:01,13 --> 01:30:04,05
Those are important efforts they are
making and I personally believe

1054
01:30:04,05 --> 01:30:07,72
that we have an obligation
to cooperate with.

1055
01:30:07,72 --> 01:30:11,67
With Mexico were injured
interdependent with them

1056
01:30:11,67 --> 01:30:14,30
and we share the North
American continent with them.

1057
01:30:14,30 --> 01:30:19,81
It's our Americans who are consuming the
drugs moving across the northern border

1058
01:30:19,81 --> 01:30:21,46
but I want to focus.

1059
01:30:21,46 --> 01:30:23,10
I know it's not the only issue but

1060
01:30:23,10 --> 01:30:27,66
when I met with the Mexican attorney
general last year it was an issue.

1061
01:30:27,66 --> 01:30:28,40
He raised

1062
01:30:28,40 --> 01:30:35,33
but the flow of arms south to them which
is just completely unacceptable and.

1063
01:30:35,33 --> 01:30:38,62
I know your testimony
touch briefly on that

1064
01:30:38,62 --> 01:30:41,34
but I'd like to focus on
what more we need to do.

1065
01:30:41,34 --> 01:30:44,09
I mean it's not just you know handguns

1066
01:30:44,09 --> 01:30:49,67
and rifles I mean machine guns it's even
you know shoulder missiles I mean it's

1067
01:30:49,67 --> 01:30:55,55
it's it's unacceptable and
some of it is you know.

1068
01:30:55,55 --> 01:30:59,96
Interdiction but I think we need
to do a more aggressive job.

1069
01:30:59,96 --> 01:31:06,44
Of of what kind of things are available
for export because it's making their job

1070
01:31:06,44 --> 01:31:10,22
almost impossible can either
one of you address that.

1071
01:31:10,22 --> 01:31:17,12
Let me let me let me take a swing at that.

1072
01:31:17,12 --> 01:31:22,26
For starters the the flow of arms

1073
01:31:22,26 --> 01:31:26,64
and weaponry southward is of
grave concern to the Mexicans

1074
01:31:26,64 --> 01:31:28,63
and of equally great concern to us

1075
01:31:28,63 --> 01:31:35,57
that the current American structure of
wall divides responsibility for arms

1076
01:31:35,57 --> 01:31:41,96
trafficking A.T.F. Is a domestic enforcement
agency in the Department of Justice.

1077
01:31:41,96 --> 01:31:47,49
Through through its authorities is the
investigative authority for cross border

1078
01:31:47,49 --> 01:31:50,98
international.

1079
01:31:50,98 --> 01:31:56,07
Arms smuggling they work
cooperatively together.

1080
01:31:56,07 --> 01:31:59,70
Since frankly most every
domestic violence.

1081
01:32:00,00 --> 01:32:03,74
That goes south as an
international and vice versa.

1082
01:32:03,74 --> 01:32:09,52
And obviously in the end the Department
of Justice does prosecutorial work. What.

1083
01:32:09,52 --> 01:32:14,73
Amongst the things that could
be funded on the matter.

1084
01:32:14,73 --> 01:32:20,71
That would expand our efforts
are things ranging from

1085
01:32:20,71 --> 01:32:23,82
non-intrusive inspection devices

1086
01:32:23,82 --> 01:32:29,57
that would allow us to look inside
containers more readily canine units some of

1087
01:32:29,57 --> 01:32:34,85
whom can be trained for explosive detection
which is which is effective expansion

1088
01:32:34,85 --> 01:32:41,70
of. Training programs. South of the
border and has cooperated relationships.

1089
01:32:41,70 --> 01:32:45,56
All of them of course I think
in partnership with A.T.F.

1090
01:32:45,56 --> 01:32:48,24
Who has who has a commensurate interest

1091
01:32:48,24 --> 01:32:54,57
but what we see kind of as the core

1092
01:32:54,57 --> 01:33:00,21
of what we need to do. At.

1093
01:33:00,21 --> 01:33:05,69
At is bring together all most of the.

1094
01:33:05,69 --> 01:33:11,86
Both of the responsible U.S. Agencies plus
I should add the intelligence community.

1095
01:33:11,86 --> 01:33:14,39
We've established a.

1096
01:33:14,39 --> 01:33:20,42
Ate an arms trafficking intelligence
subunit epic to what is precisely on this

1097
01:33:20,42 --> 01:33:27,38
problem if we had additional resources
would lead accomplish more. Always.

1098
01:33:27,38 --> 01:33:32,04
I mean you're correct
in saying this program.

1099
01:33:32,04 --> 01:33:34,20
There are a number of initiatives

1100
01:33:34,20 --> 01:33:41,06
that we can take in terms of our
weapons interdiction efforts.

1101
01:33:41,06 --> 01:33:44,39
Cooperative programs with Mexican customs.

1102
01:33:44,39 --> 01:33:49,22
Since the one of the their main LAX is
lack of capacity to screen southbound

1103
01:33:49,22 --> 01:33:53,32
traffic as I'm sure you know is in California
we don't screen outbound traffic at

1104
01:33:53,32 --> 01:33:55,19
all so.

1105
01:33:55,19 --> 01:33:59,46
So what have these whether they are being
acquired in the United States for transit.

1106
01:34:00,00 --> 01:34:03,67
You know it's precisely why this
is this is clearly an issue

1107
01:34:03,67 --> 01:34:07,77
that requires a partnership between the
domestic right side of the house for

1108
01:34:07,77 --> 01:34:12,90
finding the illegal manufacturers
who are making. The.

1109
01:34:12,90 --> 01:34:17,66
Gun license manufacturers who are making
the sales here winking at up to the

1110
01:34:17,66 --> 01:34:20,84
intelligence about the cross
border and we have found generally

1111
01:34:20,84 --> 01:34:24,30
that the border is a great choke point
to do the interdiction because of course

1112
01:34:24,30 --> 01:34:29,95
it's there that any smuggler confronts
already in this instance a Mexican one

1113
01:34:29,95 --> 01:34:34,53
but we want to ensure that.

1114
01:34:34,53 --> 01:34:39,10
That all of the components
are engaged I guess.

1115
01:34:39,10 --> 01:34:40,76
One of the issues

1116
01:34:40,76 --> 01:34:45,64
that we haven't discussed is is there
are some pieces of the Drafthouse

1117
01:34:45,64 --> 01:34:47,27
authorization bill

1118
01:34:47,27 --> 01:34:51,33
that seems to ignore the international
component of this trafficking

1119
01:34:51,33 --> 01:34:53,65
and focus exclusively
on the domestic side.

1120
01:34:53,65 --> 01:34:56,55
So in the end I imagine
we'll want to work to try

1121
01:34:56,55 --> 01:34:59,72
and incompetent all of those
are my time is running out.

1122
01:34:59,72 --> 01:35:01,40
I'll just advance the opinion

1123
01:35:01,40 --> 01:35:07,91
that America would be safer if
we use more of our resources on

1124
01:35:07,91 --> 01:35:13,62
this weapon situation
instead of chasing down

1125
01:35:13,62 --> 01:35:15,72
and arresting busboys

1126
01:35:15,72 --> 01:35:22,04
and mean just a ridiculous priority
compared to the drug violence

1127
01:35:22,04 --> 01:35:24,46
and the.

1128
01:35:24,46 --> 01:35:29,91
Problem we have with
weapons and I think my.

1129
01:35:29,91 --> 01:35:34,81
Madam Chairwoman if I could
just to make one point

1130
01:35:34,81 --> 01:35:38,75
that at least in part
because of the attention

1131
01:35:38,75 --> 01:35:42,09
that this issue has been drawn because
of the relevant to this initiative.

1132
01:35:42,09 --> 01:35:45,66
We have identified five million
dollars and seized asset.

1133
01:35:45,66 --> 01:35:50,82
Funding which is allowed Alcohol Tobacco
and Firearms to move forward with.

1134
01:35:50,82 --> 01:35:53,45
Modifying their system so

1135
01:35:53,45 --> 01:35:57,17
that it is more accessible for
Spanish surname conventions.

1136
01:35:57,17 --> 01:35:59,63
We've also made that database.

1137
01:36:00,00 --> 01:36:02,54
Not just in the embassy in Mexico City

1138
01:36:02,54 --> 01:36:07,22
but in all of our consulates in Mexico
giving Mexican law enforcement a greater

1139
01:36:07,22 --> 01:36:12,20
opportunity to use that system in that
database in order to trace weapons

1140
01:36:12,20 --> 01:36:18,12
that have been seized
in Mexico. Thank you.

1141
01:36:18,12 --> 01:36:24,66
Think we need to to think

1142
01:36:24,66 --> 01:36:28,98
that unique about the
challenge with Mexico.

1143
01:36:28,98 --> 01:36:32,22
It's somewhat there in the Caribbean
where it's just a water border

1144
01:36:32,22 --> 01:36:34,76
but because there's a land border.

1145
01:36:34,76 --> 01:36:40,42
It isn't just like every other traditional
international area that we work with

1146
01:36:40,42 --> 01:36:42,23
and.

1147
01:36:42,23 --> 01:36:48,71
Trying to figure out how we handle this
jurisdiction here how we handle it in our

1148
01:36:48,71 --> 01:36:50,69
different agencies is
a different challenge

1149
01:36:50,69 --> 01:36:57,61
and I think looking at how we do the best
teams the teams in this type of thing.

1150
01:36:57,61 --> 01:37:04,01
Need ask Are those all run through
the State Department. No.

1151
01:37:04,01 --> 01:37:08,95
So those are operational programs
that are are generally funded out of.

1152
01:37:08,95 --> 01:37:13,01
Operational mission authorities within
the Department of Homeland Security

1153
01:37:13,01 --> 01:37:17,55
and likewise within the justice
A.T.F. but They work internationally.

1154
01:37:17,55 --> 01:37:22,47
They work in a cooperative arrangement with
international we have Mexican officials

1155
01:37:22,47 --> 01:37:28,38
who are members of liaison officers who
part of our best teams for example the

1156
01:37:28,38 --> 01:37:31,94
Canadian officers as well on the
northern border in the challenge here is

1157
01:37:31,94 --> 01:37:38,58
that the funding stream determines how the
decisions are made aware it goes through

1158
01:37:38,58 --> 01:37:43,61
and other words if it's going
directly to another government.

1159
01:37:43,61 --> 01:37:50,14
It goes to the State Department but
it's going to ice and then ice.

1160
01:37:50,14 --> 01:37:56,82
Do you find in the best programs
any law enforcement on in Mexico

1161
01:37:56,82 --> 01:37:59,86
or Canada you provide any.

1162
01:38:01,02 --> 01:38:05,17
And do those funds that you do do
they run through the State Department

1163
01:38:05,17 --> 01:38:06,54
or they run directly for you.

1164
01:38:06,54 --> 01:38:09,98
As you said the training and
technical assistance funding

1165
01:38:09,98 --> 01:38:15,45
that goes directly to a foreign government
traditionally goes through the State

1166
01:38:15,45 --> 01:38:20,45
Department in terms of best in ice we do
provide what I would call some collateral

1167
01:38:20,45 --> 01:38:22,32
funding we fund travel

1168
01:38:22,32 --> 01:38:29,18
and funding for Mexicans to join our
centers for example on our side

1169
01:38:29,18 --> 01:38:30,97
of the border. We pay for that

1170
01:38:30,97 --> 01:38:36,71
but we don't fund what we do not some we're
not permitted to fund actual operations

1171
01:38:36,71 --> 01:38:40,80
of the Mexican Federal
Police or Mexican customs

1172
01:38:40,80 --> 01:38:43,35
or any of the other operational agencies.

1173
01:38:43,35 --> 01:38:47,40
So the answer to question
is a small degree

1174
01:38:47,40 --> 01:38:53,38
but it is generally a collateral expenditure
of funding not it's not the be all

1175
01:38:53,38 --> 01:38:58,36
and end all the organization
this shows the problem is

1176
01:38:58,36 --> 01:39:03,12
that unless there are some kind of
jurisdictional overlap with that

1177
01:39:03,12 --> 01:39:09,21
or national we can impact the border much.
One of my concerns is all of us but.

1178
01:39:09,21 --> 01:39:13,22
The games on both sides.

1179
01:39:13,22 --> 01:39:16,65
But that means in order
to address the issue

1180
01:39:16,65 --> 01:39:20,75
that would actually have to go
through the State Department

1181
01:39:20,75 --> 01:39:25,56
and we have to have some way.
We're dealing with a new order.

1182
01:39:25,56 --> 01:39:32,01
Cross-check figure out how with the State

1183
01:39:32,01 --> 01:39:36,47
Department. Why that direction

1184
01:39:36,47 --> 01:39:41,79
but we have to sort out.

1185
01:39:41,79 --> 01:39:48,53
What I would agree with you and I think
we need to visit that again when I read.

1186
01:39:48,53 --> 01:39:52,15
So. Slanted away from
Department of Homeland Security

1187
01:39:52,15 --> 01:39:57,38
that for a dollar or two
to get something done

1188
01:39:57,38 --> 01:40:01,15
when the reality is
operationally. This is.

1189
01:40:01,15 --> 01:40:06,60
This is where we hit where the rubber
hits the road so I think we need to think

1190
01:40:06,60 --> 01:40:08,12
about how we can work on

1191
01:40:08,12 --> 01:40:12,73
that together Mr Souder I thank the
witnesses for their valuable testimony

1192
01:40:12,73 --> 01:40:14,30
and the members for their questions

1193
01:40:14,30 --> 01:40:17,79
and the members of the subcommittee may have
additional questions for the witnesses.

1194
01:40:17,79 --> 01:40:21,73
We will ask you to respond expediently
in writing to those questions

1195
01:40:21,73 --> 01:40:25,96
and have a no for their business the
subcommittee stands adjourned Thank you

1196
01:40:25,96 --> 01:40:26,26
gentlemen.