DATE=8/6/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CONGRESS - COLOMBIA (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-252554
BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The U-S Congress and the White House are at
odds over the Administration's policy on combating the
flow of drugs from Colombia. Republican lawmakers say
the policy is a complete failure. But a top adviser
to President Clinton says the situation in the region
is evolving, and the White House is adapting. V-O-A's
Paula Wolfson reports from Capitol Hill.
TEXT: The atmosphere in the hearing room was tense as
White House drug policy advisor Barry McCaffrey faced
some of his toughest critics in Congress.
Florida Republican Dan Mica wasted no time beginning
the assault. He accused the Administration of
ignoring for too long the twin dangers posed by
Colombian drug traffickers and the guerrilla
insurgency challenging the government in Bogota.
/// MICA ACT ///
Colombia's narco-terrorism now poses the single
greatest threat to the stability of our entire
hemisphere.
///END ACT///
Mr. McCaffrey responded with a series of charts
showing progress in fighting drugs in South America
throughout this decade - - particularly in Peru. But
he said there are signs some of the gains are being
reversed, and the Administration is rethinking its
policy.
///McCAFFREY ACT///
Clearly, the situation has changed. Colombia
today is not what it was two years ago. It is
my own view that it takes us about three years
to see an idea and turn it into money and an
appropriation.
///END ACT///
A recurring theme throughout the hearing, which was
hosted by the House Subcommittee on Drug Policy, was
the fate of U-S helicopters authorized by Congress for
use by the Colombian national police in fighting
narco-traffickers. Most of the military equipment has
not been delivered. California Republican Doug Ose
(Oh'-see) could barely contain his anger.
///OSE ACT///
I know if there is anybody who can do this, you are
the man. I don't understand why we can't get ten
stinkin' helicopters (only ten helicopters) to
Colombia. I am completely frustrated. (OPT) I got
kids dying in my district. I'm sorry, Mr. Chairman,
I yield back (I won't finish my time.) (END OPT)
///END ACT///
(OPT) There were other types of frustration voiced
during the hearing. Maryland Democrat Elijah
Cummings spoke of the children he watched grow up in
the poor drug-infested neighborhoods of Baltimore. He
said more money for drug interdiction alone is not
enough to save their lives. He said there must be a
greater focus on education and treatment.
///CUMMINGS ACT///
Let me tell you something, if you don't have a
demand, you don't have to worry about Colombia.
You don't have to worry about it! (END OPT)
///END ACT///
A number of committees in the House of Representatives
have focused in recent years on the Colombian problem.
It's a top priority of Illinois Congressman Dennis
Hastert, who became Speaker of the House in January.
Before he assumed the top job, Mr. Hastert led a
special congressional panel on drug policy. (Signed)
NEB/PW/KL
06-Aug-1999 13:38 PM EDT (06-Aug-1999 1738 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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