Hearings

Interdicting Illicit Drug Trafficking: A View from the Front Lines

February 27, 2025
10:30 AM

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, announced the committee will hold a hearing titled “Interdicting Illicit Drug Trafficking: A View from the Front Lines” on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM EST. The hearing will examine federal counter-drug efforts at the tactical, strategic, and personal level. It will also highlight the additional resources needed by the U.S. Coast Guard to degrade transnational criminal organizations, exploit intelligence gained from interdictions to aggressively prosecute cartel leadership, and advance President Trump’s policy for the total elimination of these organizations’ presence in the United States.

Upon announcing the hearing, Sen Cruz said, 

 

“The Biden administration turned a blind eye to the deadly connection between their open border policies and illegal drug trafficking. Under the leadership of President Trump, the days of open U.S. borders and cartels operating with impunity are over.  This hearing will explore how Congress can assist the Trump administration in bringing the fight to dangerous cartels that threaten the safety of the American people, our security, and our way of life. The Commerce Committee will hear from experts what tools the Coast Guard needs to dismantle this dangerous drug trade that’s fueling a crisis in our nation.”

 

Witnesses:

Panel 1: 

  • Jena Ehlinger, Mother of Jake Ehlinger of Texas, a victim of fentanyl poisoning

Panel 2:

  • Shannon Kelly, Assistant Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy, U.S. Interdiction Coordinator, and Director, National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HITDA) Program
  • Rear Adm. Adam Chamie, Assistant Commandant for Response Policy, U.S. Coast Guard
  • Jonathan Miller, Executive Assistant Commissioner, Air and Marine Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Additional witness will be announced at a later date.

Hearing Details:

WHAT: Full committee hearing titled, “Interdicting Illicit Drug Trafficking: A View from the Front Lines”
DATE: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
TIME: 11:00 AM EST
LOCATION: Committee Hearing Room, Russell 253 

LIVESTREAM: The hearing will stream live on the Committee Website or YouTube

MEDIA INFO: Reporters wishing to attend should contact your respective media gallery to RSVP.

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