FBI SHAKEUP WOULD MEAN MORE DRUG FIGHTING DUTIES FOR DEA

The Drug Enforcement Administration's director Wednesday said his agency was
willing to take on more drug-fighting responsibility now that the FBI is
about to reassign approximately 400 narcotics agents to a counter-terrorism
task force.

"Our nation needs the full attention, expertise, and focus of the FBI on
preventing terrorism against United States citizens. This is the right
priority for the FBI," said Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Director
Asa Hutchinson.

"The DEA stands ready to accept this new challenge that comes from the FBI
reorganization," Hutchinson added. "We know how to fight drugs, do it very
well, and are recognized worldwide for our expertise and results. This is a
new opportunity for the courageous men and women of the DEA to do even more
for our country."

As part of his plan for reorganizing the embattled FBI, the agency's
director Robert Mueller wants to expand the counter-terrorism task force
over the next two years and create 14 new task-force "units" that will
specialize in technology, world cultures, languages and
intelligence-gathering.

Hutchinson noted that it might be necessary for the DEA to work with the
Justice Department, Congress, and the Bush administration in getting
additional resources to fight drugs.

"These are issues we will discuss to ensure the DEA has all the necessary
tools to continue doing our job well," he said.

During recent congressional testimony, Mueller said the DEA, state and local
police would have to fill the gap created by the reassignment of the FBI
agents.

He also said the FBI would no longer be part of major narcotics
investigations if the DEA could do it instead.

Mueller said the reorganization plan is still subject to congressional
approval. But some members of Congress have already begun sounding off.

Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), a frequent FBI critic, said he would be
pleased to see agents diverted from drug investigations but added that he is
not convinced a stronger role for headquarters is wise.

"Director Mueller needs to reorganize and reform the FBI, but he has to fix
the root of the problem: the bureau's cultural problems with preventing
crimes, putting image over substance and cooperating with other agencies,"
Grassley said.

Rep. Peter Hoekstra, (R-Mich.), a member of the House Intelligence Committee
said, "We need to make it clear to criminals that they will not have greater
freedom to engage in their illegal activities because the FBI's domestic
crime fighting role is being diminished.

"Far from it, we in Congress need to find a way to increase resources and
support for the FBI so it can capably carry out its focus on both
counter-terrorism and combating major crime," he said.

Congress is on its Memorial Day recess this week. It will return to work
June 3.