Andrea Joy Campbell: “this month Congress has been considering the important issue of whether to uphold or overturn the President's…”

“this month Congress has been considering the important issue of whether to uphold or overturn the President's certification of Mexico as fully cooperating with the United States to fight drug trafficking. I am concerned that without congressional action, the Senate must choose between two less than ideal options: First, to support the President's certification of Mexico and continue business as usual, thereby downplaying serious deficiencies in Mexico's efforts; or second, to decertify Mexico, with or without a waiver, which might destabilize an important country along our southern border. Under current law, notice provided to the target country is often too late and not specific enough to fix the problems. Moreover, access to more timely and specific information would assist Congress in exercising its legislative and oversight responsibilities. Therefore, today I propose a bill to provide an alternative approach. This legislation would provide the administration a new option to certify countries such as Mexico on probationary status for 7 months, which extends from March 1 through September 30, the end of the fiscal year. However, during this time period, the country on probationary certification is expected to comply with certain conditions stipulated by the President. If these conditions are not met at the end of this 7-month period, the United States will act firmly, such as by cutting off aid.”