Latin America and the Caribbean: Issues for the 109th Congress

Abstract

The Latin America and Caribbean region has made enormous strides over the past two decades in terms of political and economic development. While the region overall experienced an economic setback in 2002-2003, by the end of 2004, it had rebounded with an estimated growth rate of 5.5% for the year, surpassing even the most optimistic predictions. Nevertheless, several nations face considerable challenges that could threaten political stability, including persistent poverty, violent guerrilla conflicts, autocratic leaders, drug trafficking, and increasing crime. Legislative and oversight attention to Latin America and the Caribbean in the 109th Congress will likely focus on continued counter-narcotics efforts; potential consideration of several free trade agreements; threats to democracy; efforts to foster political change in Cuba; and cooperation on border security, migration and antiterrorism measures. Since 2000, the Andean Counterdrug Initiative (ACI) has been the primary U.S. program supporting the Colombian government's efforts to combat drug trafficking and terrorist activity perpetrated by guerrilla and paramilitary groups. The 109th Congress will likely review ACI progress in response to the Administration s request to continue such assistance in FY2006. In the trade arena, Congress could potentially consider legislation to implement the U.S.-Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA) completed in 2004, as well as two additional free trade agreements currently being negotiated with Panama and with Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Congressional consideration of the DR-CAFTA could prove controversial because of opposition from labor advocates and some industry groups.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 26, 2005
Accession Number
ADA461375

Entities

People

  • Clare Ribando
  • Connie Veillette
  • J. F. Hornbeck
  • K. L. Storrs
  • Lenore Sek
  • Mark P. Sullivan
  • Maureen Taft-morales

Organizations

  • Library of Congress

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Congress
  • Department Of State
  • Drug Abuse
  • Drug Trafficking
  • Employment
  • Foreign Relations
  • Government Procurement
  • Governments
  • Indigenous Population
  • Intellectual Property
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • National Governments
  • National Politics
  • Political Systems
  • Terrorism
  • Terrorists

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • Government and Public Administration Law.
  • International Relations and European Studies
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.