Crenshaw Appointed by Speaker Johnson to Lead House Intelligence Task Force Targeting Mexican Cartels
April 11, 2024 | Washington, D.C.
Today, Congressman Dan Crenshaw (TX-02) has been selected by Speaker Mike Johnson and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Rick Crawford (AR-01) to lead a newly established Cartel Task Force within the committee. The task force will play a central role in shaping House Republicans’ strategy to dismantle the violent Mexican drug cartels and the transnational criminal networks threatening U.S. national security.
It will coordinate with key House committees, Senate partners, and the Trump Administration to identify the tools and authorities needed to empower U.S. agencies and allies to defeat the cartels. The task force is expected to make legislative recommendations.
”I’m honored to be entrusted by Speaker Johnson and Chairman Crawford to lead this critical effort to defeat the Mexican cartels,” said Congressman Crenshaw. “For the past two years, my Cartel Task Force has conducted in-depth research on what it will take to eliminate this grave threat to our country. With President Trump back in the White House, now is the time to act to ensure that the Administration has the tools and resources it needs to take the fight directly to the cartels that are ravaging our neighborhoods and killing American kids with fentanyl.”
”I’m glad to see Chairman Crawford build on Republicans’ promise to secure the border by establishing a new Cartel Task Force, led by Congressman Dan Crenshaw,” said Speaker Johnson. “President Biden handed operational control of our southern border to Mexican drug cartels and left Americans with the worst border catastrophe in our nation’s history. President Trump’s swift work to end the lawlessness and reestablish control has proven that strong leadership matters. Now it is the responsibility of Congress to ensure this good work can continue by providing the President with the tools he needs to dismantle the drug cartels for good. No one has worked harder on this important issue than Congressman Crenshaw, and I am grateful he is willing to continue leading at this pivotal time.”
Chairman Crawford said, “After decades of ineffective or incomplete responses, the cartels and other transnational criminal organizations have become emboldened by the gray space in which they were permitted to operate. From trafficking illicit drugs, precursor chemicals, and illegal aliens into our country and often turning the Mexican side of the border into a war zone, the threat cartel organizations pose is a national security nightmare. Further, our regional partners need our help in addressing these threats on their streets. The HPSCI Cartel Task Force will work with our Senate colleagues and the Trump administration to support President Trump in his already impactful efforts to combat the cartel threat and secure our homeland. I thank Speaker Johnson for his leadership on this effort and Congressman Crenshaw for agreeing to lead this task force.”
Full Energy and Commerce Committee Markup
This week, the House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced 20 bipartisan bills focused on commerce, communications, and healthcare. Notable legislation included the TAKE IT DOWN Act to combat nonconsensual deepfake content, the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act to address battery safety risks, and the Deploying American Blockchains Act to bolster U.S. leadership in blockchain innovation.
Congressman Crenshaw said, “These measures are meant to strengthen economic resilience, protect consumers, and confront emerging digital threats—while staying true to the principle of smart governance without growing bureaucracy.”
Hearing on AI and American Global Competitiveness
Congressman Crenshaw also reported that the House Energy and Commerce Committee discussed AI development and competition with China. A key point: reliable energy is crucial for microchip manufacturing and data centers. However, strict permitting under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Biden-era regulations like the Clean Power Plan hinder energy infrastructure construction.
“I’m committed to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to remove these barriers, so the United States can lead the world in artificial intelligence and stay ahead of China in this critical race,” Congressman Crenshaw said.