Northern Border Counternarcotics Strategy Act of 2010

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4748, the Northern Border Counternarcotics Strategy Act of 2010. The bill is sponsored by Representative Bill Owens of New York, a valued member of the Committee on Homeland Security and a Member representing a congressional district along our Nation's northern border. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the bill.

H.R. 4748 would require the Director of National Drug Control Policy, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security, to develop and submit to Congress a Northern Border Counternarcotics Strategy. The document will set forth the government's strategy for preventing the illegal trafficking of drugs across the U.S.-Canada border; establish the responsibilities of the relevant Federal agencies in carrying out the strategy; and identify the resources necessary for implementation.

Having an effective strategy is an essential step in combating narcotics smuggling and trafficking along our northern border. Much attention is paid to the challenges along our nation's border with Mexico, and rightfully so. However, securing the U.S.-Canada border, while expediting legitimate trade and travel, is also imperative for meaningful border security.

The bill is not only integral to border security, but is vital for economic development in New York's North Country and other communities along our border with Canada. Thousands of jobs in Upstate New York and elsewhere depend on the swift movement of lawful commerce across the northern border, and any illicit activity along the border may undermine this robust trading relationship. H.R. 4748 will help ensure that the U.S. and Canada continue to enjoy the world's largest bilateral trade relationship.

I commend Representative Owens, a leader on my Committee on northern border security issues, for bringing into focus the need for a strategic approach to stem the movement of illicit drugs across the U.S.-Canadian border, a longstanding northern border security challenge. I congratulate Representative Owens on bringing H.R. 4748 to the House floor, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation.

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