Austin News

In a Senate Commerce Committee hearing titled “Interdicting Illicit Drug Trafficking: A View from the Front Lines,” Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) criticized the Biden administration's border policies. He argued that these policies have weakened the U.S. Coast Guard's ability to intercept drugs crossing maritime borders, thus aiding Middle Eastern drug runners in funding Iranian terrorism.

Senator Cruz emphasized the importance of the bipartisan Coast Guard Authorization Act, which he cosponsored with Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin). The act aims to eliminate the 'catch and release' approach to drug enforcement and prosecute cartels using remotely operated sea drones for smuggling.

During his statement, Senator Cruz acknowledged Mrs. Jena Ehlinger, a Texas mother, who testified about the impact of illicit drugs like fentanyl on American families. He stated, “Today, we are here to talk about stopping deadly drugs from crossing our maritime borders. But you cannot stop illegal drugs from crossing a border if you don’t believe in having them.”

Cruz claimed that under President Biden’s leadership, the Coast Guard was overwhelmed with catching illegal immigrants rather than focusing on drug interception. He noted some progress made by Republicans through measures such as funding for a blimp-based radar system at South Padre Island and improving data sharing between CBP and the Coast Guard.

He contrasted Republican efforts with what he described as Democratic ambivalence towards border security issues. Highlighting recent successes, Cruz mentioned that the Coast Guard had recently seized 37 thousand pounds of cocaine worth $279 million.

Furthermore, Cruz addressed concerns about Middle Eastern drug-running financing terrorism in Iran. He criticized catch-and-release practices for Iranian drug runners and advocated for stronger responses against such activities.

The senator called for passing new legislation to end catch-and-release policies related to Middle East drug enforcement and ensure that cartels using drone ships can be prosecuted effectively.

Cruz also stressed the need for enacting the Pay Our Coast Guard Act to guarantee timely payment during government shutdowns. He expressed gratitude towards Jena Ehlinger for her testimony on fentanyl's devastating effects on families and communities.

Finally, Senator Cruz concluded by acknowledging Ranking Member Cantwell’s collaboration on legislation aimed at stopping illicit fentanyl smuggling into the United States.