I think there is a much larger phenomena that we need to take a look at because if we limit our scope to simply what is happening on the border then I think we are mentioning a much bigger picture.

I have introduced legislation requiring the State Department to classify drug cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.

I believe we need all the tools in the toolbox, and designating them as foreign terrorist organizations would give us that.

There is absolutely no reason why our agents, no matter who they are, where they are at, should not be properly equipped and properly protected.

I really like the idea of this pilot project that you mentioned, Dr. Ainslie and Professor Bailey.

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

You know, Chairman, I applaud you for characterizing these organizations as they should be: Narcoterrorists.

We don't ask our soldiers to go into combat unarmed, and we should not do the same to our Federal law enforcement agents.

That is less than we are currently spending in Afghanistan on any given week, and yet I think the stakes in Mexico and the relationship in Mexico and the United States are enormous and certainly of National security implications.

The Mexican government did not have the resources to carry this out.

I think the situation has become so dire down there and such a crisis that it is my sincere hope the politics will change on this.

But we don't seem to have a plan or a strategy for Mexico and I think that is the thrust of this hearing is: What should that plan be?