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Today, the House passed legislation that directs the Department of Defense to continue to focus on combating illicit networking routes in Mexico, Central America, and the rest of the Western Hemisphere.  This language was included at the request of Congressman Cuellar in the National Defense Authorization Act. 

“The threat posed by transnational criminal organizations is so great that we must use all of our resources to combat it,” said Congressman Cuellar.  “That is why I worked to include this language in the National Defense Authorization Act directing the Department of Defense to continue its efforts to fight these groups.  We must work together with our neighbors, including Mexico and the Central American nations, to stop the flow of illegal activity at its source.  This will in turn result in huge savings in dollars and human life.”

According to the language included in the National Defense Authorization Act by Rep. Cuellar, the Department of Defense should continue its efforts to combat transnational criminal organizations in the Western Hemisphere.  It should also increase its maritime, aerial and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities in the region to more effectively support efforts to reduce illicit trafficking into the United States.  Enhancing the capacity of partner nations in the region to combat the threat posed by transnational criminal organizations should be a cornerstone of the Department of Defense’s strategy in the region.