[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 100 (Tuesday, June 17, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1243]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  MERIDA INITIATIVE TO COMBAT ILLICIT NARCOTICS AND REDUCE ORGANIZED 
                    CRIME AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2008

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. PATRICK J. KENNEDY

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 10, 2008

  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Merida 
Initiative to Combat Illicit Narcotics and Reduce Organized Crime 
Authorization Act in order to demonstrate my support for a more 
proactive approach to the problems of drug addiction and trafficking, 
weapons smuggling, and gang violence. Only through a re-envisioning of 
drug policy from the ground up can our Nation make new progress in 
combating illegal narcotics trafficking.
  I am pleased to see that the Democratic leadership and Judiciary 
Committee have added revolutionary and evolutionary measures to fight 
these crimes. No longer will this Congress fight only the effects of 
the drug trade. Instead, we will work alongside our Central American 
and Mexican allies to fight its causes as well.
  I strongly feel that with the passage of the Merida Initiative to 
Combat Illicit Narcotics and Reduce Organized Crime Authorization Act, 
we can begin to work alongside our southern allies to combat all levels 
of drug addiction and trafficking, from preventing youth involvement in 
these crimes to punishing those who foster them.
  For example, with a new emphasis on evidence preservation, increased 
polygraph capabilities, and custody reform, our allies can streamline 
their policing efforts, allowing for a more focused campaign.
  However, new enforcement capabilities are not enough. The bill's 
purpose is possible only with its inclusion of after-school programs 
and programs for at-risk and criminally-involved youth. Gang 
reeducation and training for CONADIC and other agency staff in best 
practices and outreach are essential to reducing demand. These programs 
are the harbingers of our message and the most potent enforcers of our 
goals.
  We must no longer approach our war against illegal narcotics from a 
reactive standpoint, but must instead work closely with Mexican and 
Central American authorities to combat the spawning points of these 
tribulations. Through a more nuanced set of policies, our allies can 
begin to employ the same successful strategies in their states that we 
have been using here at home.

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