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RELATED RESOURCES Director Testimony to Committee on Oversight and Government Reform "The Rise of the Mexican Drug Cartels and U.S. National Security" National Southwest Border Counternarcotics Strategy

(Washington, D.C.)—Today, National Drug Control Policy Director Gil Kerlikowske testified before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on President Obama's strategy to staunch the flow of illicit drugs and drug proceeds across the Southwest border and to reduce associated crime and violence in the region.

At the hearing, Director Kerlikowske thanked Committee members for recognizing the threat drug trafficking and related crimes pose to the national security of the United States, and emphasized the Obama Administration's commitment to work in concert with State and local agencies to break the power and influence of drug trafficking organizations along the border and throughout the United States. "With a courageous and dedicated partner in Mexico's President Calderon, the investments from the Recovery Act, and the strong commitment of all the key players on the U.S. side," Director Kerlikowske said, "now is the time to address the border's unique challenges."

His statement called for strengthening partnerships between State and local law enforcement and Federal agencies, continuing support for programs which empower agencies to enhance the safety and security of their localities, intensifying national efforts to interdict the southbound flow of weapons and bulk currency, and other measures outlined in the National Southwest Border Counternarcotics Strategy, which was released by the Administration on June 5, 2009. The Strategy is part of a comprehensive national response to the threat along the border. Director Kerlikowske oversees implementation of the Strategy, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, and other partners throughout the Federal government.

Director Kerlikowske also confirmed his plans to coordinate implementation of the Strategy with other border-related efforts, including the Merida Initiative, led by the State Department, and the Department of Homeland Security's Southwest Border Security Initiative.

Also testifying on the panel with Director Kerlikowske were Mr. Alan Bersin, Assistant Secretary, Office of International Affairs, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Mr. Lanny A. Breuer, Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, U.S. Department of Justice.

Director Kerlikowske's statement and the National Southwest Border Counternarcotics Strategy can be found at www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov.