FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2002 WWW.USDOJ.GOV AG (202) 616-2777 TDD (202) 514-1888 WASHINGTON, D.C. President Bush today announced his intention to nominate Asa Hutchinson as Undersecretary for Border and Transportation Security of the Homeland Security Department. Mr. Hutchinson is currently the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Attorney General Ashcroft said, "I applaud the Presidents decision to appoint Asa Hutchinson as the Undersecretary for Border and Transportation Security. While we at the Justice Department are losing a great leader, we are confident that his experience, leadership and dedication will benefit the new Homeland Security Department and the nation. I thank him for his excellent service and wish him success in this new challenge of securing our borders and transportation infrastructure." Asa Hutchinson was appointed by President George W. Bush as Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration on August 8, 2001. As head of the DEA, Mr. Hutchinson has focused enforcement efforts at top-level drug trafficking organizations, while being a national advocate of increased prevention and treatment programs. Mr. Hutchinson was nominated to be the Administrator of DEA while serving his 3rd term in the U.S. Congress. Prior to his election to the U.S. Congress in 1996, Asa Hutchinson practiced law in Arkansas for 21 years. During that time, he was appointed by President Ronald Reagan as U.S. Attorney for Western Arkansas. 02-693
Source: US Department of Justice
