Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions

STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS -- (Senate - September 08, 2005)

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Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Narco-Terrorism Prevention Act of 2005. This bill confronts the new reality and very real danger of the deadly mix of drug trafficking and terrorism.

Many of the State Department's designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations are involved in the trafficking of illegal drugs--that is, illegal drugs that end up on the streets of cities throughout our country and other countries and poison the fabric of our society, our children, our families, and our neighbors. Terrorists, like the old organized crime syndicates from the past, have recognized that illegal drug trafficking is a valuable source of financing and another way to threaten our country.

The evidence linking these two criminal activities is overwhelming: terrorists in Afghanistan have been infiltrating and controlling the cultivation of poppies, and ultimately heroin; media reports indicate that the deadly Spain bombings were financed by drug money; the Hezbollah has been linked to drug trafficking; and of course, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or the FARC, has long-standing drug trafficking operations which fund their deadly activities.

Narco-terrorism takes many forms, all of which are deadly. Before September 11, the term called to mind Pablo Escobar, the classic cocaine trafficker who used terrorist tactics against citizens and officials to protect his drug trade. Post 9/11, governments now find themselves combating classic terrorist groups that participate in, or otherwise receive funds from, drug trafficking in order to further their agenda. But whether narco-terrorists are actual drug traffickers who use terrorism against civilians to advance their agenda, or are principally terrorists who out of convenience or necessity use drug money to further their cause, the label of narco-terrorist may be equally applicable to both groups, and the full force of U.S. law should be brought to bear on these organizations.

My State is experiencing the collateral effects of a drug war being carried out by modern day narco-terrorists in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. News reports have described an ongoing battle between rival drug cartels over drug smuggling routes from Mexico into the United States. These organizations assassinate police officers and other government officials in a clear attempt to force the local government in Nuevo Laredo to allow these organizations to carry on their illegal activity, unimpeded. Our government needs every available tool at its disposal to combat this activity.

The legislation I introduce today creates a new Federal crime designed to punish the trafficking of controlled substances which are intended to benefit a foreign terrorist organization or any one else planning a terrorist attack. It also carries a stiff, mandatory-minimum penalty of 20 years for anyone convicted. Importantly, the Narco-Terrorism Prevention Act provides for extraterritorial jurisdiction which allows law enforcement to reach beyond our borders to arrest and deter those who intend to carry out a crime of this nature.

This bill says that whether you are a member of or assisting a drug cartel along the border that employs terrorist tactics to protect its drug trade, or you are assisting international terrorists with the proceeds from drug transactions, this bill targets you. This bill puts you on notice that our government has the authority to arrest you and, when apprehended, you will face a lengthy, and perhaps permanent, stay in prison.

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