Political Quotes

“My submitted amendment, No. 91 to division G, the State and Foreign Ops Appropriations bill, transfers $30 million to the International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement account, or INCLE. The proposed $30 million transfer would allow INCLE funding to remain consistent with 2017 levels. One notable program that INCLE assists is the Merida Initiative. As we all here know, our Nation is reeling from an out-of-control opioid epidemic. My district in western Pennsylvania, like so many throughout the United States, has been particularly hard hit. According to the DEA, overdoses in Pennsylvania rose by 37 percent last year. Attorney General Sessions recently said that drug overdoses are the top lethal issue in the country today. Across the border in Mexico, our neighbor is suffering from massive levels of violence and murder, mostly fueled by drug trafficking organizations, and the violence levels are increasing. Mexico's monthly murder rate has now reached a 20-year high. Mr. Chairman, the Merida Initiative is a partnership between the United States and the Mexican Government that combats drug cartels and organized crime in Mexico. It also helps to strengthen the Mexican justice system by fostering the rule of law and respect for human rights. Mr. Chairman, the majority of heroin and other narcotics, including fentanyl, smuggled into the U.S. come through Mexico or pass through it.…”