It's The Pay Raise, Stupid

The Washington Times reports today on the testimony yesterday of Karen P. Tandy, head of the Drug Enforcement Administration, before a House subcommittee. Tandy said the agency needs a $110 million budget increase over last year's request in order to "sharpen and expand" enforcement efforts. Here's the full quote:

"As our base budget has gradually eroded over time due to pay raise absorptions, rescissions and program reductions, we have been unable to maintain adequately our infrastructure or agent and support staffing at their previous levels. This has put us at an enforcement disadvantage. We must regain our financial footing. We must have the ability to sharpen and expand the enforcement tools and techniques that have helped us establish our drug-enforcement leadership role."