[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 101 (Thursday, July 27, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1561-E1562]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 EXPRESSING SENSE OF CONGRESS THAT VENEZUELA SHOULD SUPPORT STRATEGIES 
                 FOR ENSURING SECURE AIRPORT FACILITIES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 26, 2006

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to revise my 
previous statement regarding H. Con. Res. 400. I rise in opposition to 
H. Con. Res. 400. While I believe the United States should address the 
issue of drug trafficking from Venezuela, this resolution is too harsh 
a condemnation of the Government of Venezuela.
  It should be the goal of the United States to work closely with 
Venezuela and the other nations of this region to combat the 
trafficking of narcotics and other controlled substances. It is not 
only out of concern for the welfare of our own Nation if illegal 
substances and laundered

[[Page E1562]]

money are allowed safe passage here; we must also express our concern 
for the welfare of Venezuelans and others around the world. The control 
of harmful substances is an international effort in which we must all 
take an active and engaged role.
  I am deeply committed to fighting our international war on drugs. 
However, the United States diplomacy has been entirely too weak in this 
regard, and we must recognize that Venezuela is an ally, not an enemy. 
Our foreign policy must be governed by what is best for the American 
people rather than by what party is in power. Recent evidence shows a 
general lack of enforcement in Venezuela of the measures necessary to 
avoid the trafficking of narcotics and other controlled substances. 
However, instead of delivering a political attack to a nation for a 
lack of customs control in an international airport, we must be 
constructive and pragmatic in our call for stricter enforcement.
  I support the message of this resolution to ensure the compliance of 
the international community with the Organization of American States 
conventions and comprehensive treaties on narco-terrorism. However, we 
would benefit from more constructive engagement in diplomatic relations 
with our allies in the Western Hemisphere rather than simply issuing a 
reprimand.
  I urge my colleagues to vote against this resolution and support 
better diplomatic relations with the Government of Venezuela.

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