TIME: Corrupt But Certified (3/10)

Clinton Unveils New Drug Strategy (2/25)

Congress Rebukes Mexico Drug Certification

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, Mar. 7) -- The Clinton Administration is standing by its certification that Mexico is cooperating in the fight against drug trafficking, despite a House committee vote Thursday to override the decision.

In a rebuke of the administration and Mexico's counter-narcotics efforts, the House International Affairs Committee approved 27-5 a resolution to overturn President Bill Clinton's certification of Mexico as a drug-war ally.

The committee vote was bipartisan and had been supported by House Democratic leader Dick Gephardt and House Democratic whip David Bonior.

White House Press Secretary Mike McCurry said today that the president "takes strong issue with the House committee," adding that certification "is the best way to encourage better and stronger cooperation in the fight against drugs."

A full House vote on the legislation is scheduled for next week. Passage would be largely symbolic, as the resolution allows for the president to waive de-certification on the grounds of national interest, allowing Mexico to retain its status with the U.S.

A key congressional source tells CNN that House approval would generate some "momentum" for de-certification, but may have little impact in the Senate, where the ultimate battle on this issue will take place.

A House source admits the likelihood of Congress passing the legislation is just "10 percent," calling the vote more of a "message" to the White House and to Mexico than any kind of "threat" to actually overturn Washington's certification of Mexico.

No vote is expected in the Senate until at least next week, and perhaps later, according to a Senate aide. The Clinton Administration has already begun lobbying against the bill.

Clinton is scheduled to visit Mexico next month.