MR. GALLEGOS: I believe that we do provide them information, report to them on issues of the budget, how much money we’re looking to spend, where we’re looking to spend it. So there is an interaction that goes on between the Department and the Hill representatives and their aides as to what we’re attempting to do there.

QUESTION: The reason why I’m asking is because the Mexican Government and the Mexican congress are kind of surprised that the U.S. congressmen don’t understand the situation with narcotrafficking in the border area. They are trying to impose conditions to the Mexicans. And even if you look to the congressmen, the U.S. congressmen for the border area, they really understand the situation. They have mentioned that the narcotraffickers now are operating in U.S. territory, and that’s true.

MR. GALLEGOS: Well, I think that, you know, what we’re looking at here is diplomacy and negotiation and working with the Mexican Government. We’re not looking to impose. What we’re looking to do is to work and cooperate with the Mexican Government to try and succeed in combating narcotrafficking not only on the border but throughout the entire country of Mexico. This is a process that’s ongoing. We’re pretty much still at the beginning phases of this and we’re going to proceed in open discussions with them to try and come to a resolution that’s mutually beneficial, understood by all parties, and that we can integrate and implement in an efficient way.

QUESTION: But – I mean, can I follow up?

MR. GALLEGOS: Sure.

QUESTION: I mean, specifically, are you kind of lobbying Congress on behalf of the Mexicans or working with the Mexicans to try and get some of these conditions softened or reduced? Because I know that this Administration has been concerned that if those conditions do go forward, if that certification progress is – process is kind of – you know, brought back into the equation, that this could turn the clock back on the cooperation. So, I mean, what are you doing to get Congress to drop those demands?

MR. GALLEGOS: Well, I think what we do is we communicate with Congress how we believe is going to be – what we believe will be the most efficient and successful way to implement the program. I don’t think that should be a surprise to anyone. We usually don’t discuss the particulars of those conversations, and I can’t do that with you now so --

QUESTION: Thank you.

MR. GALLEGOS: Thank you.