Lawmaker pushes for House committee on Mexican drug cartels

The notorious cartel boss known as ‘El Gato’ is set to face trial in the United States for his alleged involvement in the 2013 murder of Dallas-area lawyer Juan Jesús Guerrero Chapa. Fox News correspondent Brooke Taylor has reported on the extradition of ‘El Gato’ and the tensions rising within the House GOP as Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, pushes Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., to open the gates for a select committee to crack down on Mexican drug cartels.

Crenshaw has been vocal in his efforts to establish a Select Committee to Defeat the Mexican Drug Cartels, garnering support from House chairs and even coordinating with the White House to align with President Trump’s stance on combating the cartels. However, sources close to Crenshaw have accused Speaker Johnson of delaying the process, citing budgetary constraints as the reason for the hold-up.

According to a source familiar with Crenshaw’s efforts, the speaker’s claim of budgetary limitations is not a valid excuse to delay action against the cartels, especially considering the urgency of securing the border and preventing the flow of dangerous substances like fentanyl. Crenshaw has emphasized the need to dismantle the cartels, a sentiment that he shares with President Trump.

In a recent interview on FOX Business’ “Mornings with Maria,” Crenshaw reiterated the importance of taking down the cartels and expressed frustration over the lack of opposition to his resolution. He has been leading a task force on Mexican drug cartels but believes that a select committee would provide the necessary tools and resources to effectively combat the criminal organizations.

While select committees wield significant power and staff, they are temporary in nature and require a resolution to be passed in the relevant chamber outlining their specific objectives. Crenshaw’s task force has been instrumental in producing detailed reports and legislative recommendations, but elevating it to select committee status would require coordination with existing panels overseeing border security.

House GOP leadership has faced challenges in allocating funds for new committees, as appropriated funding levels have remained stagnant for several years. The aide pointed out that no new select committee investigations have been formed under Johnson’s leadership, making it difficult to secure additional funding for initiatives like the one proposed by Crenshaw.

Other Republican lawmakers have expressed support for efforts to combat Mexican drug cartels, with Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, indicating interest in joining a potential select committee. Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., also voiced his support for any measures aimed at stopping the cartels.

As the trial of ‘El Gato’ unfolds and tensions escalate within the House GOP, the push for a select committee to address Mexican drug cartels continues. With the support of key lawmakers and efforts to secure funding, the fight against these criminal organizations remains a top priority for many in Congress.