Pelosi Statement on Obama Administration Announcement of Increased Resources at the U.S.-Mexico Border
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Contact:Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami, 202-226-7616
Washington, D.C. -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today following Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano’s announcement of the Obama Administration’s efforts to increase resources at the U.S.-Mexico border to stem violence and drug trafficking:
"The Administration’s announcement this morning lays out a comprehensive plan to work with Mexico to deal with the situation on the border. This plan invests funds appropriated under the Merida Initiative to enhance Mexican law enforcement and judicial capacity; it increases resources at the border to stem the flow of weapons and cash to Mexico and reduce the violence and flow of drugs into the United States; and it renews our commitment to reduce the demand for drugs here at home.
"Congress is working hard to ensure that our government has what it needs to battle violence at the border. Various committees of the House have held oversight hearings on U.S.-Mexico border related issues. Additional hearings will be held as the Administration moves forward with implementation of the plan. In addition, I have asked Chairmen Reyes, Skelton, and Berman to lead an official delegation to Mexico to meet with President Calderon and discuss how our nations can work together to address the fundamental challenges posed by narcotics and gun trafficking.
"As we move forward addressing the challenges facing the border, we recognize the shared past, present, and future of the United States and Mexico. We salute President Calderon for his courage, and we stand with Mexico in the fight against drug cartels and drug-related violence."