Statement by Rep. Tom Davis (D-Virginia), July 8, 2003

Statement by Rep. Tom Davis (R-Virginia), July 8, 2003

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, as we near the 3-year anniversary of Plan Colombia, it is important to reaffirm our commitment to this program, to the people of Colombia, and to American citizens. I have led three congressional delegations to Colombia over the past 5 months. I can say firsthand that our significant investment is beginning to pay dividends. Together with the strong commitment of the Uribe Administration and historic levels of support from the Colombian people, U.S. involvement in Colombia is beginning to hit narco-terrorists where it hurts.

We are seeing tremendous results in illegal crop eradication, and Plan Colombia's efforts have produced record reductions in coca production and in the destruction of drug labs. Each week brings news of new seizures of cocaine and heroin--interdictions that are usually the result of U.S.-supplied intelligence. In fact, just this last weekend, Colombian officials seized over a ton of cocaine from a drug trafficking boat off the Caribbean coast. The Colombian government is reestablishing state presence in areas of the country that for decades lacked it. Criminals who have remained at bay for years are being captured and extradited to the United States for prosecution. During the 11 months of President Uribe's tenure, 68 individuals have been extradited from Colombia to the United States.

Mr. Speaker, Plan Colombia is working. I have just returned from a trip to Colombia with Chairman SOUDER and have seen first hand the devastation that drug production and trafficking has on this country. To those who question our investment, I would ask them to visit, as I have, Colombian soldiers who have lost their limbs or eyesight or sustained permanent disabilities in their battle to return peace to their nation and keep drugs off American streets. I would also ask them to visit Barrio Nelson Mandela, a USAID sponsored facility for internally displaced people who have been forced from their homes by drug traffickers and guerillas. This facility showed me how our work on behalf of Colombia's millions of internally displaced people is offering men, women, and children a second chance at a violence-free, productive life.

The United States, however, should not have to do this alone. An increasingly significant amount of Colombian cocaine and heroin is being trafficked through Europe for consumption. I would like to urge our European allies to recognize their responsibility to do their share in supporting Colombia in the battle to reduce the supply of drugs entering the world market. The war on drugs cannot be won without appropriate funds, resources and tools. Every contribution possible is needed to disrupt the market and make the drug trade less profitable. The battle going on in Colombia against narco-terrorism is Europe's battle as well. A European contribution to fighting the war on drugs could provide these innocent people with a better life by strengthening the rule of law, protecting human rights, and providing security for all Colombians.

During my recent visit to Colombia, it was evident to me just how effective U.S. assistance is to their government. Colombia's ability to combat both drugs and terror has been strengthened due in large part to our support as well as the will and determination of the Colombian people. With such promising results over the last 3 years, it is important to continue our support and sustain the momentum. Goals are being met, and new goals need to be set. Of course obstacles remain, and progress is slower than we would like it to be. But now is not the time to turn our backs on this battle that is so intrinsically tied to our war on terrorism and illegal drug use. In light of the strong progress being made in Colombia, I urge all of my colleagues to continue their support of Colombia's unified campaign against narcotics trafficking and terrorist activities and their effort to bring democratic security to the country.

As of July 9, 2003, this document was also available online at http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/B?r108:@FIELD(FLD003+h)+@FIELD(DDATE+20030708)