Heinrich pushes increase of interdiction assets to curb drug trafficking

During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing to discuss the defense authorization budget request for fiscal year 2017 and the future of defense programs, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich advocated for increased military interdiction assets and resources in order to curb drug trafficking. Senator Heinrich questioned Admiral Tidd about the number of interdiction assets available to him and his requirements for interdiction in the Western Hemisphere. Admiral Tidd responded that on a given day he has only between 5-7 surface ships available out of a required 21 surface ships. In terms of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Admiral Tidd responded that he is only able to meet approximately 11 percent of his requirements due to a lack of assets. Senator Heinrich noted that drug cartels are earning more than $85 billion annually and are responsible for fueling the violence and corruption in Central America, which is driving the refugee crisis at the U.S. southern border. Heinrich cosponsored an amendment in 2014 to increase funding for interdiction assets by $122 million. March 10, 2016.