Whitehouse to Chair Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control

Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) announced today he will chair the United States Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, which advances international and domestic strategies to combat drug trafficking and improve cooperation between governments. In addition to curbing criminal narcotics enterprises, the bipartisan Caucus addresses the public health effects of substance use, and advances efforts to expand research and fight addiction.

'Drug trafficking claims lives, drives addiction, and devastates far too many communities in America,' said Senator Whitehouse. 'We need to take on every facet of the international narcotics trade. We must tackle the shell companies, money laundering schemes, and other forms of illicit finance that enable smugglers and dealers. We also need to address the roots of supply and demand for narcotics, from the unstable countries traffickers exploit to the opioid crisis raging within our borders. I look forward to leading the Caucus in confronting these difficult challenges.'

Established in 1985, the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control consists of seven members, four of which belong to the majority party. The Caucus has held hearings on strengthening U.S. antinarcotics efforts around the world, as well as addressing heroin and prescription drug abuse on American soil. In the past decade, the Caucus has drafted reports on the West African drug trade and the connection between U.S. money laundering and organized crime.

Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) will be serving as co-chair.