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Central American Migration: Root Causes and U.S. Policy [Updated June 13, 2019]
From the Document: "According to estimates from the digital publication 'Lawfare', approximately 265,000 people, on average, have left the Northern Triangle region of Central America (composed of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras) in each of the past five years, with the majority bound for the United States. More than twice as many people may leave the region this year, however, as an estimated 508,000 Salvadorans, Guatemalans, and Hondurans left their homes and headed north during the first eight months of FY2019. Although total U.S. apprehensions of unauthorized migrants had been near historic lows in recent years, the arrival at the Southwest border of a growing number of Central American families and children, many of whom are seeking asylum, reportedly has strained the U.S. immigration system. Congress has sought to understand and address the root causes of these migration trends."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.; Taft-Morales, Maureen
2019-06-13
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Central American Migration: Root Causes and U.S. Policy [March 27, 2019]
From the Document: "An estimated 250,000-300,000 people have left the Northern Triangle region of Central America (composed of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras) in each of the past five years, with the majority bound for the United States. According to the digital publication 'Lawfare', trends through the first five months of FY2019 suggest that the number of people leaving the region could double this year. Although total U.S. apprehensions of unauthorized migrants have been near historic lows in recent years, the arrival at the Southwest border of a growing number of Central American families and children, many of whom are seeking asylum, reportedly has strained the U.S. immigration system. Congress has sought to understand and address the root causes of these migration trends."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.; Taft-Morales, Maureen
2019-03-27
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Brazil: Political and Economic Situation and U.S. Relations [March 27, 2014]
"The United States has traditionally enjoyed cooperative relations with Brazil, which is the seventh-largest economy in the world and is recognized by the Obama Administration's National Security Strategy as an emerging center of influence. Administration officials have often highlighted Brazil's status as a multicultural democracy, referring to the country as a natural partner that shares values and goals with the United States. Bilateral ties have been strained from time to time, however, as the countries' occasionally divergent national interests and independent foreign policies have led to disagreements. U.S.-Brazilian relations have been particularly strained over the past year as a result of alleged National Security Agency (NSA) activities inside Brazil. Nevertheless, the countries continue to engage on issues such as trade, energy, security, racial equality, and the environment. [...] Brazil has remained a subject of interest in the 113th Congress. In June 2013, the House Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Trade, held a hearing examining the opportunities and challenges of the U.S.-Brazil trade and investment relationship. As part of the farm bill reauthorization (P.L. 113-79), Congress approved modifications to the U.S. cotton program that could help resolve a long-running trade dispute with Brazil. Congress also continued to support conservation of the Amazon Rainforest, appropriating $10.5 million for environmental programs in the Brazilian Amazon in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 (P.L. 113-76). Other measures that have been introduced in the 113th Congress include two bills designed to pressure Brazil to amend its constitution and allow the extradition of Brazilian nationals; H.R. 571 would suspend foreign assistance to Brazil, and H.R. 572 would suspend the issuance of visas to Brazilian nationals until Brazil changes its extradition policy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2014-03-27
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Brazil in Crisis [September 14, 2016]
"Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff of the center-left Workers Party was permanently removed from office on August 31, 2016--a little more than a year and a half into her second four-year term. Officially, Rousseff was impeached and convicted by supermajorities in both houses of the Brazilian Congress for violating the country's fiscal responsibility law. Many analysts contend, however, that Rousseff's fate was determined more by legislators' political calculations than by the legal merits of the impeachment charges. Rousseff's political base collapsed over the past year as a deep economic recession eroded Brazilians' living standards and a damaging corruption investigation split the governing coalition. [...] There has been considerable continuity in U.S.-Brazilian relations despite the change in government in Brazil. Although some Members of Congress called on the Obama Administration to express concern about the impeachment process, the Administration asserts that 'Brazil's democratic institutions have acted within its constitutional framework.' Bilateral dialogues, which facilitate policy coordination on issues of mutual concern, continued during the political crisis, and Secretary of State John Kerry has stated that the U.S. and Brazilian governments will continue working together to address issues such as climate change, Zika, and the crisis in Venezuela. Brazil's economic recession has had a greater impact on bilateral relations. Bilateral merchandise trade declined by 18% in 2015 and has fallen an additional 17.5% through the first six months of 2016. U.S. exports have been particularly hard hit, declining by more than 25% ($10.8 billion) in 2015 and 20.5% ($3.5 billion) in the first six months of 2016. Brazil's new foreign minister has asserted that Brazil will seek to bolster commercial relations with the United States by focusing on short-term practical solutions for removing regulatory and nontariff barriers to trade."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2016-09-14
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Brazil in Crisis [July 6, 2016]
"Brazil, the fifth most populous country and ninth-largest economy in the world, is in the midst of severe economic and
political crises that are closely intertwined and unlikely to be resolved quickly. The country's deep recession has taken a
toll on U.S.-Brazilian trade, with U.S. exports declining by more than 25% ($10.8 billion) in 2015. The ongoing crises
could also hinder Brazil's preparations for hosting the 2016 Summer Olympics in August; its response to public health
challenges, such as the Zika outbreak; and its ability to address foreign policy concerns, such as stability in neighboring
Venezuela."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2016-07-06
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Corruption in Honduras: End of the Mission to Support the Fight Against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH) [January 23, 2020]
From the Document: "On January 19, 2020, Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández allowed the mandate of the Organization of American States (OAS)-backed Mission to Support the Fight Against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH) to expire. The U.S. Congress had provided significant financial and political support for the MACCIH throughout its four-year mandate as the mission helped Honduran institutions deter and investigate high-level corruption. A bipartisan group of Members had also repeatedly called on President Hernández to extend the mission's mandate. The MACCIH's closure could negatively affect U.S. policy in Honduras, including efforts to address the underlying conditions driving high levels of irregular migration to the United States. More broadly, the closure may illustrate the challenges surrounding efforts to sustain anti-corruption measures in other countries."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2020-01-23
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Canada's October 2015 Elections [September 22, 2015]
From the Document; "Canada's next election is scheduled for October 19, 2015. It is being held at a time of slowing economic growth and ongoing controversies over anti-terrorism legislation and Canada's role in combating the Islamic State. The outcome of the election may have implications for the United States, which is Canada's largest trading partner, largest energy consumer, and NATO ally. […] Canada is a constitutional monarchy (Elizabeth II is Queen of Canada) with a bicameral Westminster-style Parliament that includes an elected House of Commons and an appointed Senate. In the upcoming election, 338 Members of Parliament will be elected from individual districts ('ridings') under a first-past-the-post system, which only requires a plurality of the vote to win a seat. The party winning the most seats typically gets the first chance to form a government. A government lasts as long as it can command a parliamentary majority for its policies, for a maximum of four years. If no single party holds a majority of seats, a minority government can be formed that attempts to pass legislation on a vote-by-vote basis. If a government loses a vote of confidence, new elections can be called, or the Governor-General (the Queen's representative) can offer other parties a chance to form a government."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.; Fergusson, Ian F.
2015-09-22
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Canada's October 2015 Elections [August 19, 2015]
From the Document: "Canada's next election is scheduled for October 19, 2015. It is being held at a time of slowing economic growth and ongoing controversies over anti-terrorism legislation and Canada's role in combating the Islamic State. The outcome of the election may have implications for the United States, which is Canada's largest trading partner, largest energy consumer, and NATO [North Atlantic Treaty Organization] ally[.]"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.; Fergusson, Ian F.
2015-08-19
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Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance and the Crisis in Venezuela [Updated December 11, 2019]
From the Document: "On September 11, 2019, the United States and 11 other Western Hemisphere countries invoked the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (Rio Treaty) to facilitate a regional response to the crisis in Venezuela. As a first step, on September 23, 2019, the countries that have ratified the treaty ('states parties') agreed to identify, prosecute, and freeze the assets of certain individuals and entities associated with the government of Nicolás Maduro. On December 3, 2019, the states parties approved an initial list of 29 individuals alleged to have engaged in corruption and/or human rights abuses, who are subject to the September 23 sanctions and to entry and transit restrictions. The states parties agreed to meet again in the first quarter of 2020. Congress may track the ongoing deliberations, given their potential implications for U.S. policy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2019-12-11
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Brazil: Background and U.S. Relations [August 20, 2015]
"The United States traditionally has enjoyed robust economic and political relations with Brazil, which is the seventh-largest economy in the world and is recognized by the Obama Administration as a 'major global player' and an 'indispensable partner' on issues ranging from international development to climate change. Administration officials have often highlighted Brazil's status as a multicultural democracy, referring to the country as a natural partner that shares values and goals with the United States. Bilateral ties have been strained from time to time as the countries' occasionally divergent national interests and independent foreign policies have led to disagreements. U.S.-Brazilian relations were particularly strained following revelations in 2013 of alleged National Security Agency (NSA) activities inside Brazil. Cooperation has improved over the past year, however, culminating in a June 2015 presidential meeting at the White House. Ongoing areas of engagement include trade, energy, security, racial equality, and the environment."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2015-08-20
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Organization of American States: Background and Issues for Congress [June 30, 2015]
From the summary: "The Organization of American States (OAS) is the oldest multilateral regional organization in the world. It was founded in 1948 by the United States and 20 Latin American nations to serve as a forum for addressing issues of mutual concern. Over time, the organization expanded to include all 35 independent countries of the Western Hemisphere (though Cuba currently does not participate). The organization's areas of focus have also shifted over time, evolving in accordance with the priorities of its member states. Today, the OAS concentrates on four broad objectives: democracy promotion, human rights protection, economic and social development, and regional security cooperation. It carries out a wide variety of activities to advance these goals, often providing policy guidance and technical assistance to member states."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2015-06-30
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Unaccompanied Children from Central America: Foreign Policy Considerations [August 28, 2014]
"In recent months, U.S. policy makers have expressed concerns about a significant increase in the number of unaccompanied alien children (UAC) being apprehended at the U.S. border. More than 63,000 such children were apprehended over the first 10 months of the fiscal year--a 100% increase compared to same time period of FY2013. This unexpected surge of children has strained U.S. government resources and created a complex crisis with humanitarian implications for the United States and the international community. Although the flow of unaccompanied minors appears to have slowed since July, experts warn it may accelerate again after the summer heat passes. [...] Congress has taken some initial steps to respond to the situation on the border, with Members holding numerous hearings, traveling to the region, and introducing legislation. Bills were introduced in both houses of Congress in response to the President's supplemental appropriations request. [...] As Congress continues to debate legislative options to address the foreign policy dimensions of the situation, there are a variety of interrelated issues that it might take into consideration. These include Central American governments' limited capacities to receive and reintegrate repatriated children, and their inability and/or unwillingness to address the pervasive insecurity and lack of socioeconomic opportunities in their countries that cause many children to leave. Other issues Congress might consider include the extent to which the Mexican government is capable of limiting the transmigration of Central Americans through its territory and how other international actors are responding to the spike in apprehensions of unaccompanied children."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando; Meyer, Peter J.; Taft-Morales, Maureen . . .
2014-08-28
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U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean: Recent Trends and FY2016 Appropriations [January 7, 2016]
"Geographic proximity has forged strong linkages between the United States and the nations of Latin America and the Caribbean, with critical U.S. interests encompassing economic, political, and security concerns. U.S. policymakers have emphasized different strategic interests in the region at different times, from combating Soviet influence during the Cold War to advancing democracy and open markets since the 1990s. Current U.S. policy is designed to promote economic and social opportunity, ensure the safety of the region's citizens, strengthen effective democratic institutions, and secure a clean energy future. As part of broader efforts to advance these priorities, the United States provides Latin American and Caribbean nations with substantial amounts of foreign assistance."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2016-01-07
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President Obama's $1 Billion Foreign Aid Request for Central America [January 5, 2016]
"In FY2014, the number of unaccompanied minors and family groups from the 'northern triangle' of Central America (El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras) attempting to enter the United States sharply increased. The resulting spike in apprehensions strained U.S. government resources and created a complex humanitarian situation. The Obama Administration's initial response to the migrant crisis included working with the governments of the northern triangle and Mexico on public diplomacy campaigns to discourage people from making the journey, and law enforcement operations to dismantle human smuggling networks (see CRS Report R43702, Unaccompanied Children from Central America: Foreign Policy Considerations). Although total U.S. apprehensions of unaccompanied minors and family units declined by 42% in FY2015, Mexico-- with U.S. support--apprehended record numbers of Central Americans (see CRS Report IF10215, Mexico's Recent Immigration Enforcement Efforts). The mixed migration flows of children and families appear to have increased again in recent months, and many analysts argue that long-term reductions will require policymakers in the countries of origin and the international community to take steps to address the poor security and socioeconomic conditions causing Central Americans to abandon their homes. […] Asserting that the FY2014 influx of migrants was a reminder that 'the security and prosperity of Central America are inextricably linked to our own,' the Obama Administration requested over $1 billion in foreign assistance for the region in FY2016 to support a whole-of-government 'U.S. Strategy for Engagement in Central America.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.; Seelke, Clare Ribando
2016-01-05
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Issues in the 115th Congress [October 4, 2018]
"Geographic proximity has ensured strong linkages between the United States and Latin America and the Caribbean, based on diverse U.S. interests, including economic, political, and security concerns. The United States is a major trading partner and the largest source of foreign investment for many countries in the region, with free-trade agreements enhancing economic linkages with 11 countries. The region is a large source of U.S. immigration, both legal and illegal; proximity and economic and security conditions are major factors driving migration. Curbing the flow of illicit drugs has been a key component of U.S. relations with the region for more than three decades and currently involves close security cooperation with Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. U.S. support for democracy and human rights in the region has been long-standing, with particular current focus on Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; DeBruyne, Nese F. . . .
2018-10-04
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Honduras: Background and U.S. Relations [October 24, 2018]
"Honduras, a Central American nation of 9 million people, has had close ties with the United States for many years. The country served as a base for U.S. operations designed to counter Soviet influence in Central America during the 1980s, and it continues to host a U.S. military presence and cooperate on antidrug efforts today. Trade and investment linkages are also long-standing and have grown stronger since the implementation of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) in 2006. In recent years, instability in Honduras--including a 2009 coup and significant outflows of migrants and asylum-seekers since 2014--has led U.S. policymakers to focus greater attention on conditions in the country and their implications for the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2018-10-24
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U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean: Recent Trends and FY2013 Appropriations [June 26, 2012]
"Geographic proximity has forged strong linkages between the United States and the nations of Latin America and the Caribbean, with critical U.S. interests in the region encompassing economic, political, and security concerns. U.S. policymakers have emphasized different strategic interests in the region at different times, from combating Soviet influence during the Cold War to advancing democracy and open markets since the 1990s. Current U.S. policy toward the region is designed to promote economic and social opportunity; ensure citizen security; strengthen effective democratic institutions; and secure a clean energy future. As part of broader efforts to advance these priorities, the United States provides Latin American and Caribbean nations with substantial amounts of foreign assistance. Congress -- which authorizes and appropriates aid for the region, and engages in oversight of assistance programs -- is currently considering the President's foreign aid request for FY2013. In recent years, the State Department, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs appropriations measure has been the primary legislative vehicle through which Congress reviews U.S. assistance and influences executive branch policy toward the region."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.; Sullivan, Mark P.
2012-06-26
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Brazil-U.S. Relations [November 22, 2011]
"As its economy has grown to be the seventh largest in the world, Brazil has consolidated its power in South America, extended its influence to the broader region, and become increasingly prominent on the world stage. The Obama Administration's national security strategy regards Brazil as an emerging center of influence, whose leadership it welcomes 'to pursue progress on bilateral, hemispheric, and global issues.' In recent years, U.S.-Brazil relations have generally been positive despite Brazil's prioritization of strengthening relations with neighboring countries and expanding ties with nontraditional partners in the 'developing South.' Although some disagreements have emerged, Brazil and the United States continue to engage on a number of issues, including counternarcotics, counterterrorism, energy security, trade, human rights, and the environment. […] The 112th Congress has maintained interest in U.S.-Brazil relations. Several pieces of legislation have been introduced, including bills that would suspend foreign assistance to Brazil (H.R. 2246) and the issuance of visas to Brazilian nationals (H.R. 2556) until the country amends its constitution to allow for the extradition of its citizens, and bills (H.R. 3039 and S. 1653) designed to accelerate visa processing for citizens of Brazil and other countries. Additionally, the House initially adopted a provision (H.Amdt. 454), which was dropped from the final legislation (H.R. 2112), that would have prevented the United States from providing payments to the Brazil Cotton Institute as it agreed to do to temporarily resolve a World Trade Organization dispute with Brazil. This report analyzes Brazil's political, economic, and social conditions, and how those conditions affect its role in the world and its relationship with the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2011-11-22
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Honduran-U.S. Relations [April 25, 2012]
"Porfirio Lobo was inaugurated president of Honduras in January 2010, assuming power after seven months of domestic political crisis and international isolation that had resulted from the June 2009 ouster of President Manuel Zelaya. While the strength of Lobo's National Party in the legislature has enabled his administration to pass much of its policy agenda, Lobo has had limited success in resolving the many challenges facing Honduras. Efforts to foster political reconciliation, for example, have helped Honduras secure international recognition but have only partially diminished domestic polarization. Lobo is relatively unpopular halfway through his fouryear term, as 68% of Hondurans believe he has done little to resolve the public's demands. [...] The 112th Congress has expressed considerable interest in Honduras, particularly with regards to the state of democracy, human rights abuses, security challenges, and the treatment of U.S. businesses. In December 2011, Congress adopted the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2012 (P.L. 112-74), which contains a provision requiring the State Department to withhold 20% of
assistance appropriated for the Honduran military and police forces until certain human rights conditions are met. Additional legislation (H.R. 2200), introduced in June 2011, would limit U.S. assistance to Honduras unless the President certifies that the Government of Honduras has settled all outstanding expropriation claims brought by U.S. companies. This report examines current conditions in Honduras as well as issues in U.S-Honduran relations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2012-04-25
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Organization of American States: Background and Issues for Congress [July 31, 2012]
"The Organization of American States (OAS) is the oldest multilateral regional organization in the world. It was founded in 1948 by the United States and 20 Latin American nations to serve as a forum for addressing issues of mutual concern. Over time, the organization expanded to include all 35 independent countries of the Western Hemisphere (though Cuba currently is excluded from participation). The organization's areas of focus have also shifted over time, evolving in accordance with the priorities of its member states. Today, the OAS concentrates on four broad objectives: democracy promotion, human rights protection, economic and social development, and regional security cooperation. It carries out a wide variety of activities to advance these goals, often providing policy guidance and technical assistance to member states. […] The debate over the OAS and its utility for advancing U.S. interests has continued to unfold in the 112th Congress. In addition to raising issues of concern in congressional hearings and other forums, Members have introduced several legislative initiatives that include provisions related to the OAS."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2012-07-31
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Chile: Political and Economic Conditions and U.S. Relations [November 9, 2011]
"Since its transition back to democracy in 1990, Chile has consistently maintained friendly relations with the United States. Serving as a reliable but independent ally, Chile has worked with the United States to advance democracy, human rights, and trade in the Western Hemisphere. Chile and the United States also maintain strong bilateral commercial ties. Total trade has nearly tripled to over $17.9 billion since the implementation of a free trade agreement in 2004, and the countries signed an income tax treaty designed to boost private sector investment in February 2010. Additional areas of cooperation between the United States and Chile include investigating dictatorship-era human rights abuses, promoting clean energy technologies, and supporting regional security and stability. Sebastián Piñera of the center-right 'Coalition for Change' was inaugurated to a four-year presidential term in March 2010. Piñera's electoral victory was the first for the Chilean right since 1958, and brought an end to 20 years of governance by a center-left coalition of parties known as the Concertación. Since taking office, Piñera has largely maintained the open economic policies and moderate social welfare policies of his Concertación predecessors while proposing reforms designed to boost economic growth and reduce poverty. […] During the 111th Congress, both houses passed resolutions (S.Res. 431 and H.Res. 1144) expressing sympathy for the victims of the Chilean earthquake, and the House passed a resolution (H.Res. 1662) commending the country's rescue of 33 trapped miners. The 112th Congress could take up issues such as the U.S.-Chile bilateral income tax treaty that was signed in 2010 and is awaiting submission to the U.S. Senate for ratification. This report provides a brief historical background of Chile, examines recent political and economic developments, and considers current issues in U.S.-Chilean relations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2011-11-09
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Chile: Political and Economic Conditions and U.S. Relations [April 6, 2012]
"Since its transition back to democracy in 1990, Chile has consistently maintained friendly relations with the United States. Serving as a reliable but independent ally, Chile has worked with the United States to advance democracy, human rights, and free trade in the Western Hemisphere. Chile and the United States also maintain strong commercial ties. Total trade has nearly tripled to over $17.9 billion since the implementation of a bilateral free trade agreement in 2004, and the countries signed an income tax treaty designed to boost private sector investment in February 2010. Additional areas of cooperation between the United States and Chile include investigating dictatorship-era human rights abuses, promoting clean energy technologies, and supporting regional security and stability. […] Congress has expressed interest in a number of issues in U.S.-Chile relations in recent years. During the 111th Congress, both houses passed resolutions (S.Res. 431 and H.Res. 1144) expressing sympathy for the victims of the Chilean earthquake, and the House passed a resolution (H.Res. 1662) commending the rescue of the country's trapped miners. The 112th Congress could take up issues such as the U.S.-Chile bilateral income tax treaty that was signed in 2010 and is awaiting submission to the U.S. Senate for ratification. This report provides a brief historical background of Chile, examines recent political and economic developments, and considers current issues in U.S.-Chilean relations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2012-04-06
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Brazil-U.S. Relations [September 7, 2010]
"As its economy has grown to be the 10th largest in the world, Brazil has consolidated its power in South America, extended its influence to the broader region, and become increasingly prominent on the world stage. The Obama Administration's national security strategy regards Brazil as an emerging center of influence, whose leadership it welcomes 'to pursue progress on bilateral, hemispheric, and global issues.' In recent years, U.S.-Brazil relations have generally been positive despite Brazil's prioritization of strengthening relations with neighboring countries and expanding ties with nontraditional partners in the 'developing South.' Although some disagreements have emerged over the past two years--such as different policy approaches toward the situations in Honduras and Iran--Brazil and the United States continue to work together on a number of issues, including counternarcotics, counterterrorism, energy security, trade, human rights, HIV/AIDS, and the environment."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2010-09-07
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Honduran-U.S. Relations [February 17, 2011]
"On January 27, 2010, Porfirio 'Pepe' Lobo Sosa was inaugurated President of Honduras, assuming power after seven months of domestic political crisis and international isolation that had resulted from the June 28, 2009, ouster of President Manuel Zelaya. While the strength of Lobo's National Party in the legislature has enabled the government to secure passage of much of its policy agenda, the Lobo Administration has made only limited progress in addressing the challenges inherited as a result of the political crisis. Several efforts to foster political reconciliation, including the creation of a truth commission and the passage of a measure to enable constitutional reform, have done little to lesson domestic polarization. Moreover, human rights abuses have continued, and the country has failed to secure recognition from some sectors of the international community. […] Although relations were strained during the political crisis, the United States has traditionally had a close relationship with Honduras. Broad U.S. policy goals include a strengthened democracy with an effective justice system that protects human rights and promotes the rule of law, and the promotion of sustainable economic growth with a more open economy and improved living conditions. In addition to providing Honduras with substantial amounts of foreign assistance ($51 million in FY2010) and maintaining significant military and economic ties, the United States cooperates with Honduras on transnational issues such as migration, crime, narcotics trafficking, trafficking in persons, and port security. […] This report examines current political and economic conditions in Honduras as well as issues in Honduran-U.S. relations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2011-02-17
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Honduran-U.S. Relations [June 18, 2010]
"On January 27, 2010, Porfirio 'Pepe' Lobo Sosa was inaugurated President of Honduras. Lobo assumed power after seven months of domestic political crisis and international isolation that had resulted from the June 28, 2009, ouster of President Manuel Zelaya. While the strength of Lobo's National Party in the legislature should help the government secure approval of its policy agenda, the political crisis left the new President with daunting challenges, including a high level of domestic political polarization, difficulty securing international recognition, a battered economy, and a poor human rights situation exacerbated by the murders of journalists and human rights defenders. Moreover, for a number of years, Honduras has had a poor security situation with high rates of violent crime. [...] Although relations were strained during the political crisis, the United States has traditionally had a close relationship with Honduras. Broad U.S. policy goals include a strengthened democracy with an effective justice system that protects human rights and promotes the rule of law, and the promotion of sustainable economic growth with a more open economy and improved living conditions. In addition to providing Honduras with substantial amounts of foreign assistance and maintaining significant military and economic ties, the United States cooperates with Honduras to deal with transnational issues such as illegal migration, crime, narcotics trafficking, trafficking in persons, and port security."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Meyer, Peter J.
2010-06-18
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Chile: Political and Economic Conditions and U.S. Relations [September 22, 2010]
"In the two decades since the country emerged from dictatorship, Chile has consistently maintained friendly relations with the United States. Serving as a reliable--if not always very public--ally, Chile has worked with the United States to advance democracy, human rights, and free trade in the Western Hemisphere. Chile and the United States also maintain strong commercial ties. Trade has more than doubled to over $15 billion since the implementation of a bilateral free trade agreement in 2004, and an income tax treaty designed to boost private sector investment was signed in February 2010 and is awaiting submission to the U.S. Senate for ratification. Additional areas of cooperation between the United States and Chile include renewable energy and regional security issues. [...] The 111th Congress has expressed interest in several issues in U.S.-Chile relations. In March 2010, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives passed resolutions (S.Res. 431 and H.Res. 1144) expressing sympathy for the victims of the country's February 27 earthquake and solidarity with the people of Chile. The House also passed legislation (H.R. 4783, Levin) to accelerate income tax benefits for charitable cash contributions for earthquake relief in Chile. Other resolutions have been introduced to express support for the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas, including clean energy cooperation with Chile (H.Res. 1526), and to honor the bicentennial of the call for independence in Chile and several other Latin American nations (H.Res. 1619).This report provides a brief historical background of Chile, examines recent political and economic developments, and addresses issues in U.S.-Chilean relations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2010-09-22
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Chile: Political and Economic Conditions and U.S. Relations [June 1, 2011]
"Since its transition back to democracy in 1990, Chile has consistently maintained friendly relations with the United States. Serving as a reliable but independent ally, Chile has worked with the United States to advance democracy, human rights, and free trade in the Western Hemisphere. Chile and the United States also maintain strong commercial ties. Total trade has nearly tripled to over $17.9 billion since the implementation of a bilateral free trade agreement in 2004, and the countries signed an income tax treaty designed to boost private sector investment in February 2010. Additional areas of cooperation between the United States and Chile include investigating dictatorship-era human rights abuses, promoting clean energy technologies, and supporting regional security and stability. […] Congress has expressed interest in a number of issues in U.S.-Chile relations in recent years. During the 111th Congress, both houses passed resolutions (S.Res. 431 and H.Res. 1144) expressing sympathy for the victims of the Chilean earthquake, and the House passed a resolution (H.Res. 1662) commending the rescue of the country's trapped miners. The 112th Congress could take up issues such as the U.S.-Chile bilateral income tax treaty that was signed in 2010 and is awaiting submission to the U.S. Senate for ratification. This report provides a brief historical background of Chile, examines recent political and economic developments, and considers current issues in U.S.-Chilean relations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2011-06-01
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Brazil-U.S. Relations [July 29, 2011]
"As its economy has grown to be the eighth largest in the world, Brazil has consolidated its power in South America, extended its influence to the broader region, and become increasingly prominent on the world stage. The Obama Administration's national security strategy regards Brazil as an emerging center of influence, whose leadership it welcomes 'to pursue progress on bilateral, hemispheric, and global issues.' In recent years, U.S.-Brazil relations have generally been positive despite Brazil's prioritization of strengthening relations with neighboring countries and expanding ties with nontraditional partners in the 'developing South.' Although some disagreements have emerged, Brazil and the United States continue to engage on a number of issues, including counternarcotics, counterterrorism, energy security, trade, human rights, and the environment. […] Although current conditions and Brazil's recent performance suggest the country will sustain solid economic growth rates in the near term, several constraints on mid- and long-term growth remain. The 112th Congress has maintained interest in U.S.-Brazil relations. Several pieces of legislation have been introduced, including bills that would suspend foreign assistance to Brazil (H.R. 2246) and the issuance of visas to Brazilian nationals (H.R. 2556) until the country amends its constitution to allow for the extradition of its citizens. Additionally, the House adopted legislation (H.R. 2112) that includes a provision (H.Amdt. 454) that would prevent any funds made available under the Act from being used to provide payments to the Brazil Cotton Institute. This report analyzes Brazil's political, economic, and social conditions, and how those conditions affect its role in the world and its relationship with the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2011-07-29
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Honduran-U.S. Relations [July 14, 2011]
"On January 27, 2010, Porfirio 'Pepe' Lobo Sosa was inaugurated president of Honduras, assuming power after seven months of domestic political crisis and international isolation that had resulted from the June 28, 2009, ouster of President Manuel Zelaya. While the strength of Lobo's National Party in the legislature has enabled the administration to pass much of its policy agenda, Lobo has made only limited progress in addressing the challenges inherited as a result of the political crisis. Several efforts to foster political reconciliation have helped Honduras secure international recognition but have done little to lessen domestic polarization. Likewise, human rights abuses--which increased significantly in the aftermath of Zelaya's ouster--have continued, and the citizen security situation has deteriorated. In June 2011, 45% of Hondurans approved of Lobo's performance in office. […] The 111th Congress expressed considerable interest in Honduras as a result of the 2009 political crisis and its aftermath. Several resolutions were introduced and multiple hearings were held. Issues such as human rights abuses, the state of democracy, security challenges, and the treatment of U.S. businesses have continued to be of interest to the 112th Congress. On June 15, 2011, a bill (H.R. 2200) was introduced in the House to limit U.S. assistance to Honduras unless the President certifies that the Government of Honduras has settled all outstanding expropriation claims brought by U.S. companies. This report examines current political and economic conditions in Honduras as well as issues in Honduran-U.S. relations. For a more detailed examination of the Honduran political crisis, see CRS Report R41064, Honduran Political Crisis, June 2009-January 2010."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2011-07-14
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Brazil-U.S. Relations [February 27, 2013]
"As its economy has grown to be the seventh largest in the world, Brazil has utilized its newfound economic power to consolidate its influence in South America and play a larger role in international affairs. The Obama Administration's National Security Strategy recognizes Brazil as an emerging center of influence, and welcomes the country's leadership on bilateral, hemispheric, and global issues. U.S.-Brazil relations generally have been positive in recent years, though Brazil has prioritized strengthening relations with neighboring countries and expanding ties with nontraditional partners in the 'developing South.' While some foreign policy disagreements have emerged, the United States and Brazil continue to engage on issues such as security, energy, trade, human rights, and the environment. […] This report analyzes Brazil's political, economic, and social conditions, and how those conditions affect its role in the world and its relationship with the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2013-02-27
