No To Mexico's Drug Certification
No To Mexico's Drug Certification
WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, March 13) -- The House passed a nonbinding resolution today that disapproves of President Bill Clinton's certification of Mexico in the war on drugs, giving him 90 days to obtain assurances that Mexico will be an active participant in fighting the narcotics trade. The vote was 251-175. The debate was marked by bipartisan agreement that Clinton had erred in certifying Mexico, making it eligible for continued aid. House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt (D-Mo.) urged passage of the resolution, saying he was reluctant to speak against an action taken by Clinton, but calling drugs an "evil influence that is stalking our people." Rep. Lee Hamilton (D-Ind.) stressed that Mexico "must fully cooperate with the U.S." in the war on drugs, and saying, "I simply don't believe that Mexico's record over the last year meets the standard..." In a written statement released Thursday night Clinton called the House vote "the wrong way to continue and deepen the unprecedented cooperation we are getting from Mexico in the war on drugs and the wrong way to protect the interests of the American people."
Good Morning, Cuba!
WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, March 13) -- Cubans got a radio blast from Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.). In a broadcast on the U.S. government's Radio Marti, Helms predicted that Fidel Castro's "brutal" regime is flagging because overseas businesses that have invested there are pulling out. "As each one leaves, the pressure builds on Fidel to loosen his stranglehold on Cuban society -- to get out of your way and to let you work, start businesses, earn a decent living and feed your families," Helms told listeners in the broadcast.
D.C. Prosecutor Headed To Justice Department
WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, March 13) -- President Bill Clinton plans to nominate Eric Holder, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, as the new number two official at the Justice Department. Holder would replace Deputy Attorney General Jamie Gorelick, who plans to leave once a successor takes over. Holder, a former judge who once worked in the Justice Department's Public Integrity section, has been mentioned as a possible D.C. mayoral candidate.
'Chic To Be A Geek'
SACRAMENTO (ALLPOLITICS, March 13) -- Vice President Al Gore, in another visit to vote-rich California, told state legislators today he was just happy to be out of Washington, D.C. "Actually, after the week I've just had, it's great to be anywhere away from Washington," said Gore, who has come under attack for making fund-raising calls from his White House office. His third California visit in three months also included a $1,000-per-person luncheon, but party officials say the event was planned months ago and Gore had nothing to do with it. The visit also included a meeting with Silicon Valley computer executives. Said Gore: "Silicon Valley is the place that made it chic to be a geek. I know."