EL PASO – The Senate Committee on Transportation & Homeland Security will meet on Wednesday, July 9, in El Paso at the El Paso Public Library (Main Auditorium).  In preparation for the 81st Texas Legislature in 2009, the committee will hear testimony on immigration, drug trafficking, human smuggling, and border violence.  

"El Paso is on the forefront of so many issues, but especially those we will take up July 9," said Senator John Carona (R-Dallas), Chairman of the committee.  "My colleagues and I look forward to coming from around the state to see firsthand the unique challenges and innovative solutions that we have come to expect from our visits here."

Senator Eliot Shapleigh (D-El Paso), a member of the committee, added, "Border communities such as El Paso have the most to win or lose by the right or wrong approach to border security."  

Recent violence in Ciudad Juárez has punctuated the need for an effective state strategy on border security.  Testimony will be heard from Richard Wiles, El Paso Sheriff-elect; David Cuthbertson, El Paso FBI Special Agent in Charge;  John Jack Riley, El Paso DEA Special Agent in Charge; Steve McCraw, Director, Governor's Office of Homeland Security; Jose Rodriguez, El Paso County Attorney; and others.   

What: Senate Committee on Transportation & Homeland Security

When: Wednesday, July 9, 2008 at 8:00 a.m.

Where: El Paso Public Library (Main Auditorium), 501 Oregon, El Paso, Texas  79902