Paul Coverdell: “I know that Senator Grassley and Senator DeWine share my concern that we ensure that our international counter drug…”

“I know that Senator Grassley and Senator DeWine share my concern that we ensure that our international counter drug programs here and elsewhere receive the support they need to keep drugs off our streets and out of our homes. We had a press conference today on just this point. We have been fighting a battle the last few years to raise the visibility of the need for serious counter drug efforts and the need to fund those adequately. The State Department program is an important part of that effort. Last year, the Congress added significant new money into our international and interdiction efforts. This was in part a down payment on the Western Hemisphere Drug Elimination Act, that I introduced in the 105th Congress. It is important that we ensure that the effort begun then is sustained. Having seen first hand the positive benefits of this program in this region. I strongly believe that increased funding for INL should be strongly considered in conference.”