"Our focus needs to change. The profile that we give nationally to this issue needs to change."
"The narcoterrorism in Mexico is extremely sophisticated, well thought out, strategically planned."
"The Mexican government did not have the resources to carry this out."
"Much work remains to be done, as evidenced by the continuing violence."
"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?"
"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."
"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 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 believe we need all the tools in the toolbox, and designating them as foreign terrorist organizations would give us that."
"I think one of the things that we should be looking at is how can we help Mexico with areas like microlending, and jobs creation?"
"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."
"I said, 'I am going to make that statement and tell them that a constituent from my 10th Congressional district made that recommendation and I agree.'"