Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (C-45) today introduced legislation to abolish the National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC) in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The center is overseen by the Department of Justice but, for the most part, funded by the Department of Defense.
The NDIC was established by Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1983 and was placed under the control of the United States Attorney General. It was created to "coordinate and consolidate drug intelligence from all national security and law enforcement agencies, and produce information regarding the structure, membership, finances, communications, and activities of drug trafficking organizations."
According to its website, the NDIC currently employs 120 analysts who are assisted by detailees from the Department of Defense and Bureau of Prisons. The site states that its mission as "NDIC supports the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), a component of the Executive Office of the President, by preparing assessments and providing briefs addressing drug issues of national concern. NDIC also provides analytical support to the ONDCP-designated High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTAs) to assist the HIDTAs in preparing their regional drug threat assessments."
In a press release issued today, Bono Mack calls the NDIC a "waste of taxpayer money and the poster child for government inefficiency" and one of Washington's "dirty little secrets" that has been "protected by powerful interests." She stated that the facility has thus far cost taxpayers $658 million even though its function is duplicated by other federal agencies.
“Simply put, this facility is a 24-carat boondoggle,” explained Congresswoman Bono Mack. “It should never have been opened in the first place, and it has never – at anytime in its sordid 20-year history – lived up to its promise or potential. It’s time to shutter the place for good and transfer its responsibilities to other federal facilities.”
In reference to the NDIC's "mission," Bono Mack goes on to say, “That’s a pretty tall order for a center with a miserable turnover rate of analysts and not-so-conveniently located in a renovated department store in the heart of Johnstown, Pennsylvania – some 2,000 miles from the Mexican border and 1,400 miles from the Florida Keys, both important drug interdiction points,” Congresswoman Bono Mack added. “This isn’t meant to be a knock on the good people of Johnstown. Rather it’s a reflection of a Washington culture that’s always looking for creative ways to jam a square peg in a round hole.”
Bono Mack’s legislation (H.R. 566) prohibits both the Justice Department and the Defense Department from spending any future taxpayer funds on NDIC. Its responsibilities and activities will be transferred to other existing agencies.
Bono Mack represents the Coachella Valley, San Jacinto Valley, Hemet and Temecula. She currently serves as Chairman of the U.S. House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade.
Comments
It is not exactly like they have made any progress in the "war" on drugs - so what are they getting paid for anyways?
I find it interesting that, as I read this article a link to a story about the gang threat in your area popped up, touting the information released by the National Drug Intelligence Center. Does that mean that the NDIC actually does some good, and Ms. Bono-Mack's bill is actually without merit? I say shame on you, Mary, because you're listening to some representatives who are out to get the NDIC because of it's connections to the late Rep. Murtha! When you said "you researched" the NDIC, does that mean you actually went and visited it? No, you didn't, did you.
Thank you Anonymous. That about says it all. NDIC is a good thing and a visit would be warranted before attempting to slam the door shut on the people who work there. It's time to remember it's easy to put people out of work when you are across the country. There are faces and names to the employees and their families that will be affected by this. So to save a buck one place means adding more to the unemployment compensation in another.
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