For immediate release: Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Contact: Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Press Office, 202-225-5051

Washington, DC – On Thursday, July 9, 2009, at 10:00 a.m., the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform will hold a hearing titled: “The Rise of the Mexican Drug Cartels and U.S. National Security” to provide an overview and update on the situation facing the United States and Mexico in their efforts to disrupt and dismantle Mexican drug cartels.

The hearing, which will take place in room 2154 of the Rayburn House Office Building, will also explore whether key U.S. Departments and Agencies have the sufficient tools and capabilities to execute those efforts. The witnesses will include:

Mr. Alan Bersin
(White House Border Czar; The hearing will be Mr. Bersin’s first appearance before a congressional committee.)
Assistant Secretary
Office of International Affairs
U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Mr. R. Gil Kerlikowske
(White House Drug Czar)
Director
Office of National Drug Control Policy
Executive Office of the President

Mr. Lanny Breuer
Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division
U.S. Department of Justice

Mr. Kumar Kibble
Deputy Director, Office of Investigations
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Mr. Jayson Ahern
Acting Commissioner
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Department of Homeland Security