Mike McCaul

We should do that as well.

While not driven by religious ideology, Mexican drug cartels operate in the same manner as al-Qaeda, the Taliban, or Hezbollah each sharing a desire, and using similar tactics to gain political and economic influence.

If we send an unarmed agent to Mexico without full diplomatic status, and they are murdered like Jaime Zapata, how does our country demand extradition if the killers are caught?

I don't think we are doing enough to control the flow of weapons into Mexico.

If we have a 2,000-mile border with them every day there is about $1 billion of trade between the United States and Mexico.

Much work remains to be done, as evidenced by the continuing violence.

Mexico could become a safe haven for terrorists who we know are attempting to enter the United States.

This is growing into another Afghanistan right on our border, and unfortunately, as much as I would like to say, 'Don't send my guys there if we can't protect them,' we play a critical role there and we do need to be there.

But with only 25 percent--you know, my judgment, the Department of State has not implemented this plan.

I respectfully ask that this subcommittee continue to seek answers from the State Department and the heads of our Federal law enforcement agencies.

I want to be absolutely sure that if my members endure and embrace the risks to go over to Mexico and fight this war that they will have full diplomatic coverage and the peace of mind knowing that God forbid they make the ultimate…

I think she understands this, but the President needs to show leadership on this issue.

President Calderon should be praised for his efforts to eradicate these cartels.

What is our plan down there and what is our strategy down there?

The shooting of Special Agents Zapata and Avila is a game-changer which alters the landscape of the United States' involvement in Mexico's war against the drug cartels.

Given this intensified violence--more than 35,000 killings in the past 5 years since President Calderon declared this war and the increase in spillover crime into the United States--I believe it is time for the United States to take…

I think the State Department--and we have had briefings on this, but I think we need greater clarification as to how they can defend themselves down there.

I think our country has something to offer in that respect, whether it be our intelligence or our special operations forces, if we could get around the politics.

I know Merida is part of it and what you are doing, but who is in charge of this?

Our focus needs to change. The profile that we give nationally to this issue needs to change.

I think the fact that 450 drug cartel associates were arrested in the United States directly after the murder of Agent Zapata signifies that spillover crime is, in fact, here, and they are here in the United States.

The U.S. Homeland Security Role in the Mexican War Against Drug Cartels.

We can't allow Mexico to become a failed state.

I think we need more of this down there, and I think we had a crisis situation down there and it is not getting any better.

It is time for the United States to show a serious commitment to this war that is right in our backyard and on our doorstep.