Press release by Rep. Porter Goss (R-Florida), January 11, 2000

Press release by Rep. Porter Goss (R-Florida), January 11, 2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 11, 2000

GOSS CALLS ON CLINTON-GORE TO DEFINE
STRATEGIC POLICY FOR COLOMBIA

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Porter Goss (FL-14), Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, today said Congress should plan to work with the Administration to complete a long overdue proposed aid package for Columbia. Goss responded to the Clinton-Gore Administration announcement of a $1.28 billion aid package for Colombia, which came after months of pressure from Congressional leaders. This announcement follows alarming rises in narcotics grown and produced in Colombia, the vast majority of which is transported to the United States.

"The Clinton-Gore Administration's announcement that help for our friends in Colombia may at least be forthcoming, is long overdue. Although it is a step in the right direction, it is just a first step. To truly make a difference in Colombia, and in winning the war on drugs, it is imperative the Administration make a long-term commitment by clearly articulating and then pursuing U.S. objectives and a specific strategy in Colombia," said Goss.

"The situation in Colombia is out of control. There are actually two wars going on; one against drugs and a civil war between the legitimate government and members of guerilla groups. Terrorists and narco-traffickers are controlling much of that country, leaving few options for the friendly, elected, democratic President Pastrana and his government,"said Goss.

At a November 1999 press conference, Goss announced new figures demonstrating that the U.S. has vastly underestimated the cocaine and heroin production in Colombia. Currently, 90% of the Colombian cocaine crop is heading to the U.S., with a more deadly potency than we have ever seen. Six metric tons of Colombian heroin, representing half of U.S. heroin consumption, flowed to the U.S. in 1998.

"In 1995 Colombia produced roughly 20% of the world's cocaine. That number grew to a shocking 53% in 1998, and this year Colombia is now estimated to be responsible for the production of 60% of the world's cocaine crop," said Goss.

An inter-agency study, utilizing resources from the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Department of Agriculture and the Intelligence Community concluded that the previous Colombian cocaine production estimate for 1998, of 165 metric tons, has been significantly revised to a level two to three times greater than what the U.S. originally predicted. The inter-agency group now assesses that between 400 and 500 metric tons of cocaine were produced in Colombia in 1998. The potency of the crop has been hybrid, intensifying toxic alkaloid to historically high levels.

"We often hear the Clinton-Gore Administration talk about regional destabilization in other parts of the world, while our own backyard garners little attention from this same White House. I hope this announcement is a sign that the Administration has finally heard the wake-up call and is coming on board with the Congress' efforts to help Colombia. Colombia must be a priority to the U.S., or the effect on our hemisphere will be devastating," said Goss.

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As of March 30, 2000 this document was also available online at http://www.house.gov/goss/press0001.html