Political Quotes

“As you know, the underlying bill recognizes that local authorities in various regions of Afghanistan need incentives to cooperate in illicit narcotics eradication and provides assistance to opium growing regions. Such assistance, other than for humanitarian purposes, is to be transferred away from these opium-growing regions where the authorities don't cooperate in narcotics suppression activities. I agree with the provisions in the Gentlewoman's amendment that require United States officials to report knowledge of any involvement in illicit narcotics growth, production or trafficking by beneficiaries of this Act. Similarly, I support the report requirement on the Afghanistan government's progress in the eradication and reduction of supply of illicit narcotics. It also goes without saying that the prohibition of United States' involvement in the illicit narcotics trade is a measure that we all support vigorously. I do not support Section 301 of the amendment, however. This section provides, without qualification, that all assistance would be cut off to any official entity in Afghanistan that is involved in the illicit drug trade.”