Committee News

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

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Mack Comments on Secretary Clinton's Trip to Mexico

WASHINGTON – Congressman Connie Mack (FL-14), the Ranking Republican of the House Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, issued the following statement today on Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s delegation trip to Mexico to discuss anti-drug trafficking efforts with the Mexican government.

Mack said:

“The recent tragedy in Juárez, where three Americans were killed, proves that drug violence isn’t just a problem for Mexico, it’s also a problem for the United States. In fact, this year alone, there have been more than 1,000 deaths related to drug trafficking violence in Mexico.

“These numbers, and the growing strength and audacity of the cartels, means that now, more than ever, Congress and the Obama Administration must stand with our allies in Mexico and support full funding for the Mérida Initiative. The Mérida Initiative is an essential tool in the fight against escalating drug trafficking and organized crime, and I’m encouraged by the fact that the Obama Administration has made this a priority.

“Some have said that with the increased violence in Juárez and along the border, we should give up and abandon our efforts to stop the drug cartels. But now is not the time to retreat and lose Mexico to violent thugs, murderers and gangs.

“The United States must continue to stand with Mexican President Felipe Calderón and support his efforts to defeat these dangerous cartels. Strengthening the Mérida Initiative and ensuring full funding of this policy is vital not just to our security, but the security of the entire hemisphere.”