On the recordJune 13, 2013
I thank the gentleman. Chairman McKeon, I know you share my concern with this growing transnational threat of poaching. And I am hopeful that, looking ahead, we can work together to address any concerns that may exist and support a more aggressive U.S. commitment to this problem. Mr. McKEON. Mr. Chairman, I hope you appreciate my weak attempt at humor. The Acting CHAIR. Indeed. Mr. McKEON. I would like to start off first by acknowledging the longstanding work that Chairman Royce has done on this issue. The gentleman from California spelled out the growing links between poaching and terrorist groups in Africa. I share his concern. He is also correct that AFRICOM is continuing to engage with our African partners in a variety of ways. Under Chairman Royce's leadership, I understand that the Foreign Affairs Committee will be continuing to look into illegal wildlife trafficking in Africa and the national security consequences. I fully support that effort. I believe that we should seek a greater understanding of the linkages between these illicit activities and find an interagency approach to counter this threat. The U.S. military has a role to play in countering terrorist groups and their networks that would target our national interests in this region. So I look forward to our two committees continuing to work together.
