Hyde Hails Passage of the Iraq/Afghanistan War Supplemental
Increased Aid Appropriated for DEA in Afghanistan and for Colombian Navy in the Struggle against Illicit Drugs and Terror 

(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Henry J. Hyde (R-IL), Chairman of the House International Relations Committee, remarked on the passage today by the U.S. House of Representatives of the Iraq/Afghan War Supplemental Appropriations measure that increases assistance in counterdrug interdiction efforts in Afghanistan and Colombia.   

This legislation includes an additional $9.2 million for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, which continues to combat the efforts of drug warlords in Afghanistan, especially those who use the drug trade to finance terrorist organizations and attacks on coalition forces.  In addition, the measure provides the Colombian Navy with $13 million toward the purchase of the first DC-3 Marine Patrol Aircraft (of two) to be used in the interdiction of illicit drugs flowing into the United States.  The proceeds of these drugs, as in Afghanistan, also finance narco-terrorism in Colombia.  

Hyde said, “Our defense funds in the Global War on Terrorism are finally reflecting the post-Cold War reality that illicit drugs are now a major means of support for nearly half the foreign terrorist organizations.  Today’s passage of the War Supplemental gives our DEA and our good friends in the Colombia Navy additional tools to break these ties between narcotics and terrorist organizations.”