U.S. Representative Dan Crenshaw from Texas is taking charge of a new House Cartel Task Force. This initiative will operate under the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. The announcement came from House Speaker Mike Johnson and HPSCI Chairman Rick Crawford on Friday.
The task force aims to unite House Republicans with the Senate and the Trump administration to tackle the dangers posed by various cartels across the Western Hemisphere. This effort builds on Crenshaw’s previous work when he was appointed to lead a task force focused on fighting Mexican drug cartels back in July 2023.
Crenshaw has been vocal about using military force against these cartels and has pushed for their classification as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. In a statement, Speaker Johnson criticized President Biden for what he described as a failure to secure the southern border, claiming that it has allowed cartels to gain control. He emphasized the importance of Congress in supporting the President’s efforts to dismantle these criminal organizations.
Crenshaw expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead this task force, highlighting the extensive research his team has conducted over the past two years. He believes that with President Trump potentially returning to the White House, now is the right time to ensure the administration has the necessary resources to combat the cartels effectively.
This new task force represents a significant step for House Republicans as they seek to address the ongoing challenges posed by drug cartels, which have been linked to the rise in fentanyl-related deaths across the country. The formation of this group signals a commitment to tackling these issues head-on and finding solutions to protect American communities.