Garrett Joins House Companion Bill to Senator Cruz's "El Chapo Act" as Original Cosponsor

Press Release

Today 5th District Congressman Tom Garrett joined Alabama Rep. Mo Brooks in sponsoring a House companion bill to Senator Ted Cruz's "El Chapo Act" in an attempt to increase homeland security without the use of taxpayer dollars.

Recent years have shown a massive uptick in illegal immigration alongside a steady flow of weapons and narcotics across the southern border. Drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman has proven himself for years as the lead player in the Mexican Sinaloa cartel and is directly tied to crimes ranging from drug distribution to capital murder.

In January of 2017, El Chapo was extradited to the United States to appear in federal court for his crimes but the U.S. Government is still seeking criminal forfeiture of over $14 billion in assets related to drug proceeds and other illegal monies from the former kingpin.

Specifically, the Ensuring Lawful Collection of Hidden Assets to Provide Order (El Chapo) Act would reserve all funds forfeited to the United States Government upon the prosecution of El Chapo, as well as other convictions that are a direct result of illegal transportation of controlled substances into the United States.

Upon introduction of this legislation, Rep. Garrett released the following statement:

"I commend Senator Cruz for finding a solution to fund a border wall that will dramatically inhibit the free flow of illegal immigrants, weapons, and drugs across our southern border. While the federal government is tasked with defending the homeland, we should be working to find solutions to cut the use of taxpayer dollars wherever we can. Using the profits of those who have exploited our borders to defend those very borders is not only ironic, it's common sense."

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