U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R), joined by Mark Kelly (D-AZ), announced the Senate approval of the Counternarcotics Enhancement Act. The bill aims to strengthen the partnership between the United States and Mexico in combating illicit drug trafficking.
The legislation was passed as part of the Intelligence Authorization Act, included in the National Defense Authorization Act.
The act directs the Director of National Intelligence to develop and submit a comprehensive action plan to Congress. This plan is intended to enhance collaboration, coordination, and cooperation between the U.S. Intelligence Community and the Mexican government.
It also requires an assessment of existing relationships with Mexican officials and any counterintelligence risks associated with those ties.
"One innocent life lost because of illicit narcotics smuggled into the U.S. by way of Mexico is one too many," Cornyn said in a statement. "This legislation would ensure our Intelligence Community leverages the U.S.-Mexico relationship to most effectively root out these silent killers and keep citizens in both countries safe."
Kelly emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation in addressing the threat of drug cartels.
"To win the fight against drug trafficking, the U.S. and Mexico have to work together against the cartels. This effort with Republicans and Democrats will make our country safer by keeping drugs off our streets through Intelligence community engagement with the government of Mexico," said Kelly.
This legislative move reflects a unified effort in Congress to curb the influx of narcotics and strengthen national security through intelligence-led international collaboration.
