As the Senate considers the proposal, we want to point out why this package is critical. There is a drug emergency going on in Colombia that has serious implications for the safety and well-being of our communities. Ninety percent of the cocaine on our streets and two-thirds of the heroin seized in the United States either originates in, or transits, Colombia. At the same time, Colombia's democracy, human rights situation and economy have deteriorated as illegal armed groups on the left and right finance their military campaigns with proceeds from the drug trade. Democracy in Latin America needs to be strengthened, not undermined, even as we protect our own citizens from drugs.
Prompt action is imperative.
Peru and Bolivia have achieved dramatic reductions of 66 and 55 percent respectively or more in their coca cultivation in the last five years, and overall cocaine production in the region has fallen 18 percent. But this progress is threatened because cocaine production in Colombia has risen 126 percent. We have a strategic opportunity to change that. Leaders in all three countries are strongly committed to attacking the drug trade on all fronts. Offering our help now could lead to lasting progress against the supply of drugs.