House Foreign Affairs Committee U.S. House of Representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Ranking Republican
	For Immediate Release May 5, 2008	Contact:  Sam Stratman, (202) 226-7875 Alex Cruz, (202) 225-8200
	Ros-Lehtinen to Meet with U.S. Envoy to Mexico to Discuss Joint Initiative to Curb Threat of Narcotics, Organized Crime
	(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) will meet Tuesday with the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Antonio Garza ahead of expected Congressional action on the Merida Initiative. The Merida Initiative is a three year proposal based on the shared responsibility and commitment of the U.S., Mexico, and Central America to work together against the perils of illicit narcotics-trafficking and organized crime in the region. Ros-Lehtinen, Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said she expects Congress to complete work on the first year of the proposed Merida Initiative this month or in early June. On Tuesday, she will meet with Ambassador Garza to discuss the important proposal, which includes law enforcement assistance to Mexico and Central America. "The Merida Initiative is an historic opportunity for the United States, together with our allies in Mexico and Central America, to thwart the terrible effects of drugs and violence in the region," said Ros-Lehtinen, adding, "Together we must tackle these tough problems that endanger not only the national security of the United States, but that of our allies throughout the Hemisphere.” "I am hopeful that my colleagues in Congress will recognize the great importance this initiative holds and support the resources to combat the threat," said Ros-Lehtinen. ######