Speech #1100173411

Mr. Speaker. I had planned to introduce an amendment to this legislation that will require the President to submit a report (1) assessing the role of the relevant United States Government departments and agencies. including the Department of Homeland Security. in supporting the Merida Initiative. (2) providing specific information on what staffing. equipment. and other resources the relevant United States Government departments and agencies. including the Department of Homeland Security. have provided for the Merida Initiative. (3) assessing the impact of the Merida Initiative on the border security operations of the relevant United States Government departments and agencies. including the Department of Homeland Security. and (4) identifying additional resources. if any. that the relevant United States Government departments and agencies. including the Department of Homeland Security. need to make available to carry out the Merida Initiative. As a senior Member of the Committee on Homeland Security. I am cognizant of the fact that the Department of Homeland Security will play a major role in the implementation of the Merida Initiative. Among other things. Customs and Border Patrol will be involved in the procurement and training of nonintrusive inspection equipment (scanners. xray vans) and rescue and communications equipment. and Immigration and Customs Enforcement will be involved in modernizing Mexicos immigration database and the training of vetted units focused on antigang and antimoney laundering. In short. Mr. Speaker. the Merida Initiative will not be complete or successful without the cooperation of the Department of Homeland Security and the dedication of its brave men and women. The report required by my Amendment would have made sure Congress knows what resources DHS is contributing to the Merida Initiative and whether more are needed. It would also have let Congress know how the Merida Initiative is affecting DHSs ability to carry out its other missions. including border security. As we continue to fight criminal syndicates and terrorism organizations around the world. we must ensure that there is accountability for our precious resources and that we are not losing focus of the needs at home. I am extremely disappointed that this legislation has been brought up under suspension. as I believe that my amendment would have improved the legislation.