Washington, DC
Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Drug Enforcement Administrator Michele Leonhart testifies on Capitol Hill Wednesday before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security.

The purpose of this hearing is to conduct oversight of the DEA. Members may question Leonhart about the investigation in possible misconduct by DEA agents in Colombia, which came to light as a result of the Secret Service incident with prostitutes before the President's visit to Cartagena. The DEA has permanent offices in Colombia.

Additionally, they discuss "Operation Fast and Furious." While criticism surrounding the operation has focused on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, agents at DEA, FBI and ICE were also likely aware that guns were "walked" to Mexico.

Finally, the affects of the upcoming Mexican Presidential elections on the U.S. drug war is also a topic of interest.

Currently, the agency has nearly 5,000 special agents and a budget of $2.02 billion.

Rep. James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) will chair the hearing.