Pete Domenici: “As the Chairman knows, I believe that the AS350 AStar helicopter is a proven force-multiplier for Customs that has been…”

“As the Chairman knows, I believe that the AS350 AStar helicopter is a proven force-multiplier for Customs that has been used along the Southwest border, and elsewhere in the country, to support operations by the Border Patrol, and other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. According to information provided by the Customs Service, in the past year these Customs helicopters assisted in the seizure of approximately $14 million 7,800 pounds of cocaine, almost 25 tons of marijuana, 88 vehicles, 1 aircraft, 12 illegal weapons, 5 vessels, and 210 arrests. In addition, the Executive Director of the Customs Air Interdiction Division, has indicated that AStar is the most cost-effective element of the Customs air fleet. Based on this track record, the AS350 AStar has become the light enforcement helicopter of choice for the U.S. Customs Service. Mr. President, I understand the budget constraints facing the Subcommittee. I would simply ask that as we proceed with this bill in conference or later in the year, the Chairman and the distinguished Ranking Member of the Subcommittee, Mr. Dorgan, consider making investments in proven, cost-effective force multipliers--like the AStar helicopters--that can help strengthen law enforcement and improve our efforts to combat the inflow of drugs into this country a funding priority.”