Crime Subcommittee to Hold Oversight Hearing on DEA and ATF

Washington, D.C. -- On Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., the Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations Subcommittee will hold anoversight hearing on the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). This hearing is the second in a series to examine the Justice Department and its components in order to identify matters that are in need of critical reform. The DEA and ATF, components of the Justice Department, have not undergone a reauthorization since 2005 and their authorizations for appropriations expired in 2009. At the hearing, members of the Crime Subcommittee will examine the missions and operations of the DEA and ATF, including domestic and international drug enforcement, money laundering, narco-terrorism investigations, federal firearms enforcement, explosives investigations, and tobacco and alcohol trafficking operations. Witnesses for the hearing are:

• The Honorable Chuck Rosenberg, Acting Administrator, Drug Enforcement Administration
• The Honorable Thomas E. Brandon, Acting Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) issued the statements below in advance of this hearing. Chairman Goodlatte: “The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives have critical missions to enforce our nation’s drug laws and protect the public from crimes involving firearms, explosives, arson, and others. It has been over a decade since the DEA and ATF were last reauthorized and it’s imperative that we closely examine them in order to identify areas for reform and cost savings. I look forward to hearing from the leaders of these agencies next week.” Subcommittee Chairman Gowdy: “The abuse of drugs, alcohol, and firearms affect families in each and every community nationwide. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) play a critical role in keeping families safe and it is imperative we are doing everything in our power to protect our communities from crime. I look forward to hearing from our witnesses from ATF and DEA next week.” This hearing will take place in 2141 Rayburn House Office Building and will be webcast live at judiciary.house.gov.  Camera crews wishing to cover must be congressionally credentialed and RSVP with the House Radio-TV Gallery at (202) 225-5214. ###