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Cuba Sanctions: Legislative Restrictions Limiting the Normalization of Relations [August 17, 2017]
"Since the early 1960s, U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted largely of isolating the island nation through comprehensive economic sanctions, including an embargo on trade and financial transactions. President John F. Kennedy proclaimed an embargo on trade between the United States and Cuba in February 1962, citing Section 620(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (FAA), which authorizes the President 'to establish and maintain a total embargo upon all trade between the United States and Cuba.' At the same time, the Department of the Treasury issued the Cuban Import Regulations to deny the importation into the United States of all goods imported from or through Cuba. The authority for the embargo was later expanded in March 1962 to include the Trading with the Enemy Act (TWEA)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Rennack, Dianne E.; Sullivan, Mark P.
2017-08-17
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Hurricanes Irma and Maria: Impact on Caribbean Countries and Foreign Territories
"In addition to causing massive destruction to the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean, Hurricanes Irma and Maria severely affected several Caribbean countries and foreign territories. Between September 5 and 9, 2017, Hurricane Irma caused widespread damage to Barbuda, part of the independent country of Antigua and Barbuda; the island of St. Martin/St. Maarten, split between French and Dutch rule (St. Martin is a French overseas collectivity while St. Maarten is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands); several southeastern and northwestern islands of the Bahamas; and the northern coast of Cuba. Other islands severely affected were the French overseas collectivity of St. Barthélemy and the British overseas territories of Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. On September 18 and 19, respectively, Hurricane Maria severely damaged the country of Dominica and the French department of Guadeloupe with direct hits, while St. Kitts and Nevis experienced lesser damage as the hurricane passed south of the country. On September 21, the hurricane passed close to the Dominican Republic and Haiti, which experienced limited impact, largely caused by flooding, and the Turks and Caicos Islands were battered once again as the storm passed nearby on September 22. Reconstruction costs are not yet known, but will likely be high for several of these islands, many of which depend on tourism."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2017-09-28
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Cuba: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated February 8, 2019]
"Since the early 1960s, when the United States imposed a trade embargo on Cuba, the centerpiece of U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted of economic sanctions aimed at isolating the Cuban government. In December 2014, however, the Obama Administration initiated a major policy shift, moving away from sanctions toward a policy of engagement and the normalization of relations. The policy change included the rescission of Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of international terrorism in May 2015; the restoration of diplomatic relations in July 2015; and steps to increase travel, commerce, and the flow of information to Cuba. President Trump unveiled a new policy toward Cuba in 2017 increasing sanctions and partially rolling back some of the Obama Administration's efforts to normalize relations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-02-08
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Cuba: U.S. Policy Overview [July 2, 2018]
"Since the early 1960s, when the United States imposed a trade embargo on Cuba, the centerpiece of U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted of economic sanctions aimed at isolating the Cuban government. In December 2014, however, the Obama Administration initiated a major policy shift, moving away from sanctions toward a policy of engagement and the normalization of relations. The policy change included the rescission of Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of international terrorism in May 2015; the restoration of diplomatic relations in July 2015; and steps to increase travel, commerce, and the flow of information to Cuba."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2018-07-02
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Cuba: U.S. Policy in the 115th Congress [Updated January 15, 2019]
From the Introduction: "This report examines U.S. policy toward Cuba in the 115th Congress. It is divided into three major sections analyzing Cuba's political and economic environment; U.S. policy toward Cuba; and selected issues in U.S.-Cuban relations, including restrictions on travel and trade, funding for democracy and human rights projects in Cuba and for U.S. government-sponsored radio and television broadcasting, migration, antidrug cooperation, U.S. property claims, and U.S. fugitives from justice in Cuba."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-01-15
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Issues in the 115th Congress [Updated January 22, 2019]
"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. . . .
2019-01-22
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Cuba: Trump Administration Expands Sanctions [May 17, 2019]
From the Document: "In recent weeks, the Trump Administration has imposed a series of increasingly strong economic sanctions against Cuba, effectively ending the previous policy of engagement begun by the Obama Administration in 2014 that had eased some sanctions and moved toward the normalization of relations. As a result, U.S. policy toward Cuba again is centered on economic pressure aimed at influencing the behavior of the Cuban government, not only with regard to Cuba'sown human rights record, but also its support to the regime of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. On April 30, 2019, President Trump threatened a 'full and complete embargo' on Cuba and 'highest-level sanctions' unless Cuba ceased its military support for the Maduro regime. Congress traditionally has played an important role in shaping U.S. policy toward Cuba through legislation and oversight, but has appeared divided over Cuba the past decade, with some favoring engagement and others favoring strong sanctions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-05-17
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Argentina: An Overview [Updated August 15, 2019]
From the Document: "Current President Mauricio Macri--leader of the center-right Republican Proposal and the 'Cambiemos' (Let's Change) coalition representing center-right and center-left parties--won the 2015 presidential election in a close race. Macri defeated the candidate of the leftist faction (Front for Victory, or FPV) of the Peronist party (officially known as the Justicialist Party) led by outgoing President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, who was ineligible to run for a third consecutive term. Macri's election ended 12 years of FPV rule by the Kirchners. [...] The Kirchners' rule helped Argentina emerge from a severe economic crisis in 2001- 2002 but was characterized by protectionist and unorthodox economic policies and increasing corruption."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-08-15
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Guyana: An Overview [Updated January 10, 2020]
From the Document: "Located on the north coast of South America, English-speaking Guyana has characteristics common of a Caribbean nation because of its British colonial heritage-- the country achieved independence from Britain in 1966. Guyana participates in Caribbean regional organizations and forums, and its capital of Georgetown serves as headquarters for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), a regional integration organization. Current congressional interest in Guyana is focused on the conduct of general elections planned for March 2020, at a time when the country is poised to become a major oil producer."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2020-01-10
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Cuba: U.S. Policy Overview [Update June 24, 2019]
From the Document: "Since the early 1960s, when the United States imposed a trade embargo on Cuba, the centerpiece of U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted of economic sanctions aimed at isolating the government. In December 2014, the Obama Administration initiated a major policy shift moving away from sanctions toward engagement and the normalization of relations. The policy change included the rescission of Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of international terrorism in May 2015; the restoration of diplomatic relations in July 2015; and efforts to increase travel, commerce, and the flow of information to Cuba by easing restrictions on travel, remittances, trade, telecommunications, and banking and financial services (accomplished through amendments in 2015 and 2016 to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations [CACR], administered by the Department of the Treasury, and the Export Administration Regulations [EAR], administered by the Commerce Department). The restoration of relations led to increased government-to-government engagement, with over 20 bilateral agreements negotiated and bilateral dialogues conducted in numerous areas of cooperation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-06-24
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Cuba: Trump Administration Expands Sanctions [Updated June 24, 2019]
From the Document: "Since April 2019, the Trump Administration has imposed a series of increasingly strong economic sanctions against Cuba, effectively ending the previous policy of engagement begun by the Obama Administration in 2014 that had eased some sanctions and moved toward the normalization of relations. As a result, U.S. policy toward Cuba again is centered on economic pressure aimed at influencing the Cuban government's behavior with regard to not only Cuba's human rights record but also its support to the Venezuelan regime of Nicolás Maduro. Congress traditionally has played an important role in shaping U.S. policy toward Cuba through legislation and oversight, but it has appeared divided over Cuba the past decade, with some favoring engagement and others favoring strong sanctions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-06-24
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Bahamas: Response to Hurricane Dorian [Updated October 1, 2019]
From the Document: "On September 1-2, 2019, Hurricane Dorian, a Category 5 storm with winds of 180 miles per hour and storm surges of up to 23 feet, caused widespread damage to the islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco in the northwestern Bahamas, a country of some 700 islands off the southeast coast of the United States. [...] According to the U.S Agency for International Development (USAID), 60% of the structures on Grand Bahama and Abaco were completely or severely damaged and 27% were moderately damaged. Among the areas suffering the most severe damage was Abaco's town of Marsh Harbour. Thousands of people from the two islands have relocated to other parts of the Bahamas, especially New Providence Island, where Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas is located; about 1,600 were residing in shelters as of September 23. According to press reports, U.S. Customs and Border Protection maintained that about 3,900 Bahamian evacuees had arrived in Florida as of September 13."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Margesson, Rhoda; Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-10-01
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Cuba: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated November 18, 2019]
From the Document: "Since the early 1960s, when the United States imposed a trade embargo on Cuba, the centerpiece of U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted of economic sanctions aimed at isolating the government. In 2014, the Obama Administration initiated a major policy shift moving away from sanctions toward engagement and the normalization of relations. The policy change included the rescission of Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of international terrorism in May 2015; the restoration of diplomatic relations in July 2015; and efforts to increase travel, commerce, and the flow of information to Cuba by easing restrictions on travel, remittances, trade, telecommunications, and banking and financial services. [...] President Trump unveiled a new policy toward Cuba in 2017, introducing new sanctions and rolling back some of the Obama Administration's efforts to normalize relations. By 2019, the Trump Administration had largely abandoned the previous Administration's policy of engagement by increasing economic sanctions significantly to pressure the Cuban government on its human rights record and its support for the regime of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-11-18
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Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated November 13, 2019]
From the Document: "U.S. interests in Latin America and the Caribbean are diverse and include economic, political, security, and humanitarian concerns. Geographic proximity has ensured strong economic linkages between the United States and the region, with the United States being a major trading partner and source of foreign investment for many Latin American and Caribbean countries. Free-trade agreements (FTAs) have augmented U.S. economic relations with 11 countries in the region. The Western Hemisphere is a large source of U.S. immigration, both legal and illegal; geographic proximity and economic and security conditions are major factors driving migration trends."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-11-13
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Cuba: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated December 20, 2019]
From the Document: "Since the early 1960s, when the United States imposed a trade embargo on Cuba, the centerpiece of U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted of economic sanctions aimed at isolating the government. In 2014, the Obama Administration initiated a major policy shift moving away from sanctions toward engagement and the normalization of relations. [...] President Trump unveiled a new policy toward Cuba in 2017, introducing new sanctions and rolling back some of the Obama Administration's efforts to normalize relations. By 2019, the Trump Administration had largely abandoned the previous Administration's policy of engagement by increasing economic sanctions significantly to pressure the Cuban government on its human rights record and its support for the regime of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. It also took actions to allow lawsuits against those trafficking in property confiscated by the Cuban government and tightened restrictions on travel to Cuba, including the termination of cruise ship travel from the United States. With these actions, U.S. policy toward Cuba has again shifted to a policy of strong economic pressure."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-12-20
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Guyana: An Overview [Updated March 10, 2020]
From the Document: "Located on the north coast of South America, English-speaking Guyana has characteristics common of a Caribbean nation because of its British colonial heritage--the country achieved independence from Britain in 1966. Guyana participates in Caribbean regional organizations and forums, and its capital of Georgetown serves as headquarters for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), a regional integration organization. Current congressional interest in Guyana is focused on the conduct of the March 2, 2020, elections. Some Members of Congress have expressed deep concern about allegations of potential electoral fraud and have called on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to not declare a winner until the completion of a credible vote tabulation process."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2020-03-10
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Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy and Issues in the 116th Congress [Updated March 10, 2020]
From the Document: "The United States maintains strong linkages with neighboring Latin America and the Caribbean based on geographic proximity and diverse U.S. interests, including economic, political, and security concerns. The United States is a major trading partner and 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 four 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. . . .
2020-03-10
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Guyana: An Overview [December 6, 2019]
From the Document: "Located on the north coast of South America, English-speaking Guyana has characteristics common of a Caribbean nation because of its British colonial heritage-- the country achieved independence from Britain in 1966. Guyana participates in Caribbean regional organizations and forums, and its capital of Georgetown serves as headquarters for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), a regional integration organization. Current congressional interest in Guyana is focused on the conduct of general elections planned for March 2020, at a time when the country is poised to become a major oil producer."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Benoit, Angel Carrasquillo
2019-12-06
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Argentina: An Overview [Updated January 15, 2020]
From the Document: "Current President Alberto Fernández of the center-left Peronist 'Frente de Todos' (FdT, Front for All) ticket won the October 2019 presidential election and was inaugurated to a four-year term on December 10, 2019. He defeated incumbent President Mauricio Macri of the center-right 'Juntos por el Cambio' (JC, Together for Change) coalition by a solid margin of 48.1% to 40.4% but by significantly less than the 15 to 20 percentage points predicted by polls. The election also returned to government former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, who ran on the FdT ticket as vice president. In concurrent legislative elections, the FdT won a Senate majority; in the Chamber of Deputies, the JC won the largest bloc (but not a majority) and the FdT won the second-largest bloc."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2020-01-15
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Cuba: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated January 24, 2020]
From the Document: "Since the early 1960s, when the United States imposed a trade embargo on Cuba, the centerpiece of U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted of economic sanctions aimed at isolating the government. In 2014, the Obama Administration initiated a major policy shift moving away from sanctions toward engagement and the normalization of relations. The policy change included the rescission of Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of international terrorism in May 2015; the restoration of diplomatic relations in July 2015; and efforts to increase travel, commerce, and the flow of information to Cuba by easing restrictions on travel, remittances, trade, telecommunications, and banking and financial services (accomplished through amendments in 2015 and 2016 to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations [CACR], administered by the Treasury Department, and the Export Administration Regulations [EAR], administered by the Commerce Department). The restoration of relations led to increased government-to-government engagement, with over 20 bilateral agreements negotiated and bilateral dialogues conducted in numerous areas of cooperation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2020-01-24
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Panama: An Overview [Updated October 24, 2019]
From the Document: "Panama's central location in the Americas (linking North and South America) and its transportation infrastructure--especially the Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans--make the country a global trade hub and a strategic partner for the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-10-24
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Argentina: An Overview [Updated October 17, 2019]
From the Document: "Current President Mauricio Macri--leader of the center-right Republican Proposal and the 'Cambiemos' (Let's Change) coalition representing center-right and center-left parties--won the 2015 presidential election in a close race. Macri defeated the candidate of the leftist faction (Front for Victory, or FPV) of the Peronist party (officially known as the Justicialist Party) led by outgoing President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, who was ineligible to run for a third consecutive term. Macri's election ended 12 years of FPV rule by the Kirchners (Néstor Kirchner, 2003-2007, and Cristina Fernández, 2007-2015). The Kirchners' rule helped Argentina emerge from a severe economic crisis in 2001- 2002 but was characterized by protectionist and unorthodox economic policies and increasing corruption."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-10-17
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Bahamas: An Overview [Updated October 16, 2019]
From the Document: "The Bahamas, a Caribbean nation of some 700 islands off the southeast coast of the United States, has been a stable parliamentary democracy since its independence from the United Kingdom (UK) in 1973. The country's bicameral legislature has a 39-seat House of Assembly directly elected for five-year terms and a 16-member appointed Senate. Since independence, the political scene has been dominated by two political parties, the center-left Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and the center-right Free National Movement (FNM)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-10-16
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Argentina's 2019 Elections [Updated October 31, 2019]
From the Document: "Argentina's Peronist party (officially known as the 'Partido Justicialista') returned to power in October 27, 2019, presidential elections. Alberto Fernández of the center-left Peronist 'Frente de Todos' (Front for All) coalition defeated current President Mauricio Macri of the center-right 'Juntos por el Cambio' (Together for Change) coalition by a vote of 48.1% to 40.4% in a six-candidate race. Argentina's economic crisis-- marked by recession, high inflation, and increasing poverty--appeared to be the most important factor in the race. [...] The election also returns to government former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, who ran on the 'Frente de Todos' ticket as vice president. Some observers believe Cristina Fernández, known for her combative style of leftist populism, could wield significant power as vice president; others emphasize that Alberto Fernández, characterized as moderate and pragmatic, will control government policy. The new team is to be sworn in to a four-year term on December 10, 2019. The Fernández government's most significant challenge likely will be the ongoing economic crisis, including relations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Benoit, Angel Carrasquillo
2019-10-31
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Cuba: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated February 13, 2020]
From the Document: "Since the early 1960s, when the United States imposed a trade embargo on Cuba, the centerpiece of U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted of economic sanctions aimed at isolating the government. In 2014, the Obama Administration initiated a major policy shift moving away from sanctions toward engagement and the normalization of relations. The policy change included the rescission of Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of international terrorism (May 2015); the restoration of diplomatic relations (July 2015); and efforts to increase travel, commerce, and the flow of information to Cuba by easing restrictions on travel, remittances, trade, telecommunications, and banking and financial services (2015 and 2016, accomplished through amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations, administered by the Treasury Department, and the Export Administration Regulations, administered by the Commerce Department). The restoration of relations led to increased government-to-government engagement, with over 20 bilateral agreements negotiated and numerous bilateral dialogues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2020-02-13
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Impact of COVID-19 [Updated April 15, 2021]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having widespread economic, social, and political effects on Latin America and the Caribbean. As of April 14, 2021, the region had almost 26.7million confirmed cases(19.3% of cases worldwide) and over 846,000 deaths(28.4% of deaths worldwide). Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and Peru had the highest numbers of deaths in the region, and Brazil and Mexico had highest death tolls worldwide after the United States. The regional rankings change when examining deaths per 100,000 population--using this measurement, Peru had the highest rate in the region, followed by Brazil, Mexico, Panama, and Colombia. A University of Washington COVID-19 projection model (updated April 8, 2021) forecast deaths in the region could reach 1.2 million by August 1, 2021."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; Meyer, Peter J. . . .
2021-04-15
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Key Issues for the 113th Congress [February 15, 2014]
"Geographic proximity has ensured strong linkages between the United States and the Latin American and Caribbean region, with diverse U.S. interests, including economic, political, and security concerns. U.S. policy toward the region under the Obama Administration has focused on four priorities: promoting economic and social opportunity; ensuring citizen security; strengthening effective democratic institutions; and securing a clean energy future. There has been substantial continuity in U.S. policy toward the region under the Obama Administration, which has pursued some of the same basic policy approaches as the Bush Administration. Nevertheless, the Obama Administration has made several significant policy changes, including an overall emphasis on partnership and shared responsibility. U.S. policy toward the region is conducted in the context of a Latin America that is becoming increasingly independent from the United States. The region has diversified its economic and diplomatic ties with countries outside the region. Over the past few years, several Latin American regional organizations have been established that do not include the United States, including the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) designed to boost regional integration and cooperation. While to some extent CELAC's establishment reflects declining U.S. influence in Latin America, the United States still remains very much engaged in the region bilaterally and multilaterally. A looming challenge for the United States, however, is how to deal with the next Summit of the Americas, scheduled to be hosted by Panama in 2015. Several Latin American leaders have pledged that they will not attend if Cuba is not invited."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2014-02-15
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Key Issues and Actions in the 114th Congress [January 4, 2017]
"U.S. policy toward [the Latin American and Caribbean region] under the Obama Administration focused on four priorities: promoting economic and social opportunity; ensuring citizen security; strengthening effective democratic institutions; and securing a clean energy future. [...] U.S. policy toward the region is conducted in the context of an increasingly independent Latin America, which has diversified its economic and diplomatic ties with countries outside the region. [...] Congress traditionally has played an active role in policy toward Latin America and the Caribbean in terms of both legislation and oversight. [...] As the 114th Congress neared its end in December 2016, Congress completed action on several measures with provisions related to the region. [...] This report, which will not be updated, provides an overview of U.S. policy toward Latin America and the Caribbean during the 114th Congress in 2015 and 2016. It begins with an overview of the political and economic environment affecting U.S. relations and then examines the Obama Administration's policy toward the region. The report then examines congressional interests in the region and legislative action, looking at selected regional and country issues. An Appendix provides links to hearings on the region in the 114th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2017-01-04
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Venezuela: Background and U.S. Relations [August 22, 2016]
"This report, divided into three main sections, examines the political and economic situation in Venezuela and U.S.-Venezuelan relations. The first section surveys the political transformation of Venezuela under the populist rule of President Hugo Chávez (1999-2013) and the first two years of the government of President Nicolás Maduro, including the government's severe crackdown on opposition protests in 2014. The second section analyzes Venezuela's political and economic environment since 2015, including the opposition's December 2015 legislative victory and the Maduro government's attempts to thwart the powers of the legislature; efforts to remove President Maduro through a recall referendum; deteriorating economic and social conditions in the country; and the government's foreign policy orientation. The third section examines U.S. relations with Venezuela, including the imposition of sanctions on Venezuelan officials, and selected issues in U.S. relations--democracy and human rights, energy, counternarcotics, and terrorism concerns."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2016-08-22
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Venezuela: Issues for Congress, 2013-2016 [January 23, 2017]
"Although historically the United States had close relations with Venezuela, a major oil supplier, friction in bilateral relations increased under the leftist, populist government of President Hugo Chávez, who died in 2013 after battling cancer. After Chávez's death, Venezuela held presidential elections in which acting President Nicolás Maduro narrowly defeated Henrique Capriles of the opposition Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD), with the opposition alleging significant irregularities. In 2014, the Maduro government violently suppressed protests and imprisoned a major opposition figure, Leopoldo López, along with others. In December 2015, the MUD initially won a two-thirds supermajority in National Assembly elections, a major defeat for the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV). The Maduro government subsequently thwarted the legislature's power by preventing three MUD representatives from taking office (denying the opposition a supermajority) and using the Supreme Court to block bills approved by the legislature. For much of 2016, opposition efforts were focused on recalling President Maduro through a national referendum, but the government slowed down the referendum process and suspended it indefinitely in October. After an appeal by Pope Francis, the government and most of the opposition [...] agreed to talks mediated by the Vatican along with the former presidents of the Dominican Republic, Spain, and Panama and the head of the Union of South American Nations. The two sides issued a declaration in November expressing firm commitment to a peaceful, respectful, and constructive coexistence. [...] The next round of talks was scheduled for December but was suspended until January 2017, and many observers are skeptical that the dialogue will resume."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2017-01-23
