Weapons and money crossing U.S. border into Mexico

The Crime and Drugs Subcommittee and Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control held a joint hearing today on "Law Enforcement Responses to Mexican Drug Cartels."  Senator Feingold (D- Wisc.) explained the need for this topic to be brought to the attention of the government, “This problem, as we’ve heard today, has taken on increasingly troubling dimensions as the violence in Mexico and along the border has exploded over the last two years and this has had devastating consequences... We must address this crisis in a proactive and coordinated manner focusing on improving law enforcement while also supporting efforts to enhance the rule of law in Mexico.”

Kumar Kibble, Deputy Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Office of Investigations addressed the fact that weapons coming to Mexico from the U.S. add to the problem. “Southbound weapons smuggling is a grave concern amid the growing violence along our border with Mexico.”

Senator Durbin (D- Ill.) noted that guns crossing from the U.S. into Mexico are a source for violence among drug cartels, citing a Brookings Institute study which found that 2000 guns cross the border every day. Sen. Durbin explained, “We would at least agree that if it’s hundreds or thousands, the best efforts that we’ve put in it to date are really not addressing the volume of the problem when it comes to weapons smuggling.  We have to look to additional ways to fortify our efforts and make them more effective.”

The second problem the hearing addressed was the “insatiable” drug appetite of the United States.  Approximately 35 million drug users in this country create draw and supply money to cartels across the border.  Attorney General of Arizona, Terry Goddard, stated that the U.S. must work to decrease the demand for drugs.  “The United States has put a great deal of money into interdiction but we put very little into demand reduction.  And frankly we can have a very profound effect as a country in trying to stop the apparently insatiable demand for these illegal drugs.”

The need for commitment of the U.S. government to do more in this effort was echoed by witnesses in the hearing.   Kibble stated, “Part of what fuels this violence in Mexico are the weapons and money South and we have to do more.”

While the U.S. government seeks to put into action policies to alleviate the issue of violence related to Mexican drug trafficking, there is positive news.  Anthony Placido, Assistant Administrator and Chief of Intelligence at the Drug Enforcement Administration, stated, “I’ve been closely following Mexico since about 1985 and what I can tell you in my view, the commitment and resolve of the Mexican government is unprecedented under this administration.  They are making great strides to improve the situation.”  He believes that part of the increase in violence is a sign of success, as cartels experience pressure they have never seen before, causing them to lash out against themselves and the government.

Pres. Obama nominates first female solicitor general

The Senate Judiciary Committee held a full hearing today to confirm the nomination of Elena Kagan, Dean of Harvard Law School, to be solicitor general of the United States. If confirmed by the Senate, she will be the first woman to hold this position. Sen. Feingold (D-Wis.) stated, "Although women have made great strides in the legal profession in recent decades, I think the nomination of the first woman solicitor general is obviously a historic moment for our country."

Sen. Specter (R-Pa.), in his introduction of Kagan, stated, "If confirmed I believe General Kagan will be an outstanding solicitor general. She brings exceptional qualifications to the job, and will be a tough, fair, powerful advocate for the constitution."

Kagan accepted her nomination as a great honor as well. "To have the opportunity to lead the Solicitor General's office is the honor of a lifetime. As you know, this is an office with a long and rich tradition, not only of extraordinary legal skill but also of extraordinary professionalism and integrity. That is due, in large measure, to the people who have led it."

Additionally, the committee confirmed the nomination of Thomas Perrelli, former Deputy Assistant Attorney General, to be Associate Attorney General, the third-ranking position in the Justice Department. Perrelli accepted his nomination with his family standing by. He expressed honor in his nomination, and stated his commitment to the job he accepted. "I have no illusions at the size of the task. The challenges that the department faces today are enormous... My vision is a Justice Department of which all Americans can be proud, a department that keeps America safe from threats foreign and domestic, a department that at every level makes the even-handed application of the law and the representation of the interests of the United States," he stated.