Merida Initiative: Proposed U.S. Anticrime and Counterdrug Assistance for Mexico and Central America
Abstract
In October 2007, the United States and Mexico announced the M rida Initiative, a multi-year proposal for $1.4 billion in U.S. assistance to Mexico and Central America aimed at combating drug trafficking, gangs, and organized crime. On May 14, 2008, the House Committee on Foreign Affairs approved a bill, H.R. 6028 (Berman), which would authorize $1.6 billion for the Initiative from FY2008 through FY2010. The Bush Administration requested $500 million for Mexico and $50 million for Central American countries in its FY2008 supplemental appropriations request. In legislative action on H.R. 2642, the second FY2008 supplemental appropriations measure, the House approved $400 million for Mexico and $61.5 million for Central America, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic on May 15, 2008. The Senate version of H.R. 2642, as amended on May 22, 2008, would provide $350 million for Mexico and $100 million for Central America, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. Both versions have human rights conditions, among other restrictions. The supplemental measure will now go to conference. The Administration has also requested an additional $450 million for Mexico and $100 million for the Central American countries under the M rida Initiative in its FY2009 budget request.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 03, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA488184
Entities
People
- Clare R. Seelke
- Colleen W. Cook
- Rebecca G. Rush
Organizations
- Library of Congress