CLINTON URGED TO MARK DRUG CARTELS AS TERRORISTS

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Reps. Peter T. King and Michael McCaul have
called on Secretary of State
Hiliary Clinton to declare some Mexican drug cartels as terrorist
organizations and to develop a comprehensive strategy to assist the
Mexican government win the war against them.

King (R-NY) is chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security and
McCaul (R-Texas) chairs its subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations
and Management.

In a letter to Clinton, the committee members wrote that "the Mexican
drug cartels present a dangerous threat to the national security of
the United States" and urged Clinton to "use every capability of the
U.S. government to counter this growing threat to our economy, our
security and well being of our citizens. Equally as important, we must
make sure Mexico does not become a failed state and yet another haven
for terrorists."

The request comes as Clinton hosts Mexican Foreign Minister Patricia
Espinosa at the State Department.

Click Here for latest edition Also signing the letter are Rep. Mike
Rogers (R-Ala.), Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.), Rep. Dan Burton (R-IN),
Rep. Sue Myrick (R-N.C.), and Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-Calif). Rogers and
Duncan are both members of the committee on homeland security.

The letter also said, "By placing the Mexican drug cartels on the
Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) list our law enforcement officers
would have additional authorities to limit the cartels' financial,
property, and travel operations. Additionally, such a designation
would apply to an entire organization, not only its leaders.

"It is in the interest of the United States and Mexico to prosecute
individuals conducting such brutal acts of terror occurring almost
daily across our border."

The members also said it is "essential a comprehensive strategy be
developed and implemented to help Mexico win the war against drug
cartels. This strategy should include plans to expedite funding for
resources to Mexico for intelligence, training, and technical
assistance programs."