CHARLOTTE – Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) has returned home after helping lead a Congressional delegation to Colombia, Panama, Paraguay, and Argentina to investigate terrorism financing and the growing link between terrorist organizations and Latin American drug lords.
“Hezbollah is active in Latin America. We are concerned other terrorist organizations will follow. After more than two dozen meetings with elected leaders, top government officials, and U.S. State Department personnel based in the region, I am encouraged the threat has been recognized and our friends are ready to join America in partnerships to intercept terrorism financing,” said Congressman Pittenger.
“While our partners in South America are in full solidarity and cooperation with our efforts, they lack the technical capabilities and training to be fully effective. We must work with them through our government agencies and the private sector to enhance support systems to identify and cut off the flow of money used to finance acts of evil.”
As Vice Chairman of the Financial Services Committee to Investigate Terrorism Financing, Congressman Pittenger participated in more than two dozen meetings and briefings, including touring the Tri-Border Area of Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina to better understand efforts to combat smuggling and Hezbollah activity in the region.
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