Mack Calls for a Counterinsurgency Operation at U.S. Border

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In light of recent news that three teenagers were shot to death at the border, including two Americans, Congressman Connie Mack (FL-14) responded today with outrage, calling for an all-encompassing strategy to provide for U.S. national security through bold steps and bold solutions.

In 1979, President Reagan proposed a North American Accord between the United States, Mexico and Canada, saying, "We live on a continent whose three countries possess the assets to make it the strongest, most prosperous and self sufficient area on earth."  Mack believes that U.S. foreign policy has neglected this reality and must now must reestablish its authority of the United States over illegal organizations which threaten U.S. Security at the Mexican border.  

Mack stated:  

"A counterinsurgency strategy from our government that includes civil society, law enforcement, civil authorities and military personnel at the U.S. border is urgently needed. Repeated calls on the Administration have not gotten ahead of this plague and the lives of two more U.S. citizens have been taken in the meantime, adding to the tens of thousands of people who have been killed in a drug war, expanding the influence of terrorists."

A report unveiled yesterday by DHS agencies shows progress in seizures and apprehensions, but falls short in keeping America safe.

Mack's strategy calls for:

• Doubling Border Patrol Agents from 20,000 to 40,000 - fully funding needed border protection equipment such as additional unmanned aerial vehicles and the completion of the double-layered security fencing in urban, hard to enforce areas of the border.
• Utilizing the full resources of the U.S. intelligence community aligned to the mission.
• Coordinate closely with Mexico to ensure swift justice on both sides of the border while collaborating on governance reform, economic development, community stabilization and essential services.

As Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, Mack will hold hearings to both implement his new strategy and expose the truth behind the Administration's failures in the drug war.  

SOURCE Office of Congressman Connie Mack