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Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances [November 1, 2013]
"Restrictions on travel to Cuba have been a key and often contentious component in U.S. efforts to isolate Cuba's communist government since the early 1960s. Under the George W. Bush Administration, restrictions on travel and on private remittances to Cuba were tightened. In March 2003, the Administration eliminated travel for people-to-people educational exchanges unrelated to academic coursework. In June 2004, the Administration further restricted family and educational travel, eliminated the category of fully-hosted travel, and restricted remittances so that they could only be sent to the remitter's immediate family. Initially there was mixed reaction to the Administration's June 2004 tightening of Cuba travel and remittance restrictions, but opposition to the policy grew, especially within the Cuban American community regarding the restrictions on family travel and remittances. Under the Obama Administration, Congress took action in March 2009 by including two provisions in the FY2009 omnibus appropriations measure (P.L. 111-8) that eased restrictions on family travel and travel related to marketing and sale of agricultural and medical goods to Cuba. Subsequently, in April 2009, President Obama announced that his Administration would go further and allow unlimited family travel and remittances. Regulations implementing these changes were issued in September 2009. The new regulations also included the authorization of general licenses for travel transactions for telecommunications-related sales and for attendance at professional meetings related to commercial telecommunications."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2013-11-01
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Cuba: U.S. Policy and Issues for the 113th Congress [January 29, 2014]
Strong interest in Cuba is continuing in the 113th Congress with attention focused on economic and political developments, especially the human rights situation, and U.S. policy toward the island nation, including sanctions. The continued imprisonment of Alan Gross remains a key concern for many Members. [...] Ultimately in the FY2014 omnibus appropriations measure, H.R. 3547 (P.L. [Public Law] 113-76) approved in January 2014, Congress provided up to $17.5 million in ESF [Economic Support Funds] for programs and activities in Cuba and stipulated that no ESF appropriated under the Act may be obligated by the U.S. Agency for International Development for any new programs or activities in Cuba. [...] With regard to Cuba sanctions, both the House and Senate versions of the FY2014 Financial Services and General Government appropriations measure, H.R. 2786 and S. 1371, had different provisions that would have tightened and eased travel restrictions respectively, but none of these provisions were included in the FY2014 omnibus appropriations measure (P.L. 113-76). H.R. 2786 (H.Rept. 113-172) would have prohibited FY2014 funding used 'to approve, license, facilitate, authorize, or otherwise allow' people-to-people travel to Cuba, which the Obama Administration authorized in 2011." Several other initiatives for U.S-Cuba relations will be discussed in the 113th Congress.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2014-01-29
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Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances [February 4, 2014]
"Restrictions on travel to Cuba have been a key and often contentious component in U.S. efforts to isolate Cuba's communist government since the early 1960s. [...] In the 113th Congress, both the House and Senate versions of the FY2014 Financial Services and General Government appropriations measure, H.R. 2786 and S. 1371, had provisions that would have tightened and eased travel restrictions, respectively, but none of these provisions were included in the FY2014 omnibus appropriations measure, H.R. 3547 (P.L. [Public Law] 113-76), signed into law January 17, 2014. The House Appropriations Committee version of the bill, H.R. 2786 (H.Rept. 113-172), would have prohibited FY2014 funding used 'to approve, license, facilitate, authorize, or otherwise allow' people-to-people travel to Cuba. In contrast, the Senate version of the measure, S. 1371(S.Rept. 113-80), would have expanded the current general license for professional research and meetings in Cuba to allow U.S. groups to sponsor and organize conferences in Cuba, but only if specifically related to disaster prevention, emergency preparedness, and natural resource protection. As in past Congresses, several legislative initiatives again have been introduced that would lift all travel restrictions: H.R. 871 (Rangel) would lift travel restrictions; H.R. 873 (Rangel) would lift travel restrictions and restrictions on U.S. agricultural exports; and H.R. 214 (Serrano), H.R. 872 (Rangel), and H.R. 1917 would lift the overall embargo, including travel restrictions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2014-02-04
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Argentina: Background and U.S. Relations [April 25, 2017]
"Argentina, a South American country with a population of almost 44 million, has had a vibrant democratic tradition since its military relinquished power in 1983. Current President Mauricio Macri-the leader of the center-right Republican Proposal and the candidate of the Let's Change coalition representing center-right and center-left parties-won the 2015 presidential race. He succeeded two-term President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, from the center-left faction of the Peronist party known as the Front for Victory, who in turn had succeeded her husband, Néstor Kirchner, in 2007. Macri's election ended the Kirchners' 12-year rule, which helped Argentina emerge from a severe economic crisis in 2001-2002 but also was characterized by protectionist and unorthodox economic policies.
President Macri has moved swiftly since his December 2015 inauguration to usher in changes to the government's economic, foreign, and other policies. [...] This report provides background on the political and economic situation in Argentina and U.S.-Argentine relations. An Appendix provides links to selected U.S. government reports on Argentina."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Nelson, Rebecca M.
2017-04-25
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Venezuela: Background and U.S. Relations [November 21, 2016]
"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 (1999-2013), 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. [...] U.S. policymakers and Members of Congress have had concerns for more than a decade about the deterioration of human rights and democratic conditions in Venezuela and the government's lack of cooperation on antidrug and counterterrorism efforts. After a 2014 government-opposition dialogue failed, the Administration imposed visa restrictions and asset-blocking sanctions on Venezuelan officials involved in human rights abuses.
The Obama Administration has continued to speak out about the democratic setback and poor human rights situation, called repeatedly for the release of political prisoners, expressed deep concern about the humanitarian situation, and strongly supported dialogue. The Administration supported the efforts Organization of American States Secretary General Luis Almagro to focus attention on Venezuela's democratic setback."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2016-11-21
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Cuba: U.S. Policy in the 115th Congress [April 21, 2017]
"Congress has played an active role in shaping policy toward Cuba, including the enactment of legislation strengthening and at times easing various U.S. economic sanctions. Since the early 1960s, when the United States first imposed a trade embargo on Cuba, the centerpiece of U.S. policy has consisted of economic sanctions aimed at isolating the Cuban government. In December 2014, however, the Obama Administration initiated a major Cuba policy shift, moving away from sanctions toward a policy of engagement and a normalization of relations. The policy change included the restoration of diplomatic relations (July 2015), the rescission of Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of international terrorism (May 2015), and an increase in travel, commerce, and the flow of information to Cuba. To implement this third step, the Treasury and Commerce Departments eased the embargo regulations five times (most recently in October 2016) in such areas as travel, remittances, trade, telecommunications, and financial services. The overall embargo, however, remains in place, and can be lifted only with congressional action or if the President determines and certifies to Congress that certain conditions in Cuba are met, including that a democratically elected government is in place. The outlook for U.S. policy toward Cuba under the Trump Administration is uncertain. According to U.S. officials, the Administration is conducting a full review of U.S. policy toward Cuba, with human rights at the forefront of those discussions. Statements by President Trump before his inauguration suggest that he could reverse some of the policy changes taken by the Obama Administration to normalize relations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2017-04-21
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Cuba: Issues and Actions in the 114th Congress [January 18, 2017]
"Cuba remains a one-party communist state with a poor record on human rights. The country's political succession in 2006 from the long-ruling Fidel Castro to his brother Raúl was characterized by a remarkable degree of stability. In 2013, Raúl began his second and final five-year term, which is scheduled to end in February 2018 [...] Castro has implemented a number of market-oriented economic policy changes over the past several years. An April 2016 Cuban Communist Party congress endorsed the current gradual pace of Cuban economic reform. Few observers expect the government to ease its tight control over the political system. While the government has released most long-term political prisoners, short-term detentions and harassment have increased significantly over the past several years. [...] Congress has played an active role in shaping policy toward Cuba, including the enactment of legislation strengthening and at times easing various U.S. economic sanctions. U.S. policy over the years has consisted largely of isolating Cuba through economic sanctions, while a second policy component has consisted of support measures for the Cuban people, including U.S. government-sponsored broadcasting and support for human rights and democracy projects. In December 2014, President Obama announced a major shift in U.S. policy toward Cuba, moving away from a sanctions-based policy toward one of engagement and a normalization of relations. [...] The policy change included the restoration of diplomatic relations; the rescission of Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of international terrorism; and an increase in travel, commerce, and the flow of information to Cuba."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2017-01-18
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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
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Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances [February 7, 2017]
"Restrictions on travel and remittances to Cuba have constituted a key and often contentious component in U.S. efforts to isolate Cuba's communist government since the early 1960s. Such restrictions are part of the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR), the overall embargo regulations administered by the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Various Administrations, including the current one, have eased and tightened the restrictions over the years as U.S. policy toward Cuba has changed. The Obama Administration lifted all restrictions on family travel and remittances in 2009. In 2011, the Administration eased restrictions on other types of travel, including travel related to religious, educational, and people-to-people exchanges, and allowed any U.S. person to send remittances to individuals in Cuba."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2017-02-07
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Challenges for U.S. Policymakers in Latin America and the Caribbean [February 16, 2017]
"The Latin American and Caribbean region has made significant political and economic advances over the past three decades, but challenges remain. Regular free and fair elections are the norm in most countries; […] [t]he quality of democracy, however, has eroded in several countries affected by organized crime, corruption, and the executive's abuse of power. The rise of leftist populism, most prominently in Venezuela, has led to the subversion of democratic institutions and erosion of human rights. In Freedom House's 2017 annual report, Venezuela joined Cuba as the only countries in the Americas categorized as "not free." Ten others were classified as 'partly freely [sic].' The ebbing of populism's electoral appeal […] is a positive development for democracy […]. The region has faced an economic slowdown in recent years, driven by the global decline in commodity prices and China's economic slowdown. […] In its policy approach toward the region, the Obama Administration emphasized partnership, shared responsibility, and engagement. Its policy priorities included efforts to promote economic and social opportunity, combat transnational crime and advance citizen security, and strengthen democratic institutions. These U.S. goals in the region have been long-standing, so it is possible the Trump Administration will continue to support them. Some observers, however, are fearful that the Administration's strong emphasis on border security, trade protection, and deportations could change the tenor of relations with the region, jeopardize cooperation, and fuel anti-American sentiment."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2017-02-16
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China's Engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean [September 18, 2018]
"As the People's Republic of China (PRC) has increased its engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean over the past 15 years, U.S. policymakers have raised questions regarding potential implications for U.S. interests in the region. China's engagement with the region has grown significantly since 2001, particularly in terms of diplomatic and economic ties.This growth reflects China's increasing global 'soft power' efforts worldwide. A succession of Chinese leaders and other officials have visited the region to court governments, and in turn regional leaders and officials have been frequent visitors to China. The PRC has signed a variety of bilateral partnership agreements with several countries in the region, including 'strategic partnerships' with Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-
2018-09-18
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Venezuela: Overview of U.S. Sanctions [October 4, 2018]
"For more than a decade, the United States has employed sanctions as a policy tool in response to activities of the Venezuelan government or Venezuelan individuals. These have included sanctions, including targeted sanctions against almost 90 individuals, related to terrorism, drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, antidemocratic actions, human rights violations, and corruption. Since 2006, U.S. officials have expressed concerns about Venezuela's lack of cooperation on anti-terrorism efforts. Since then, the Secretary of State has made an annual determination that Venezuela is not 'cooperating fully with United States anti-terrorism efforts' pursuant to Section 40A of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2781). The most recent determination was made in May 2018. As a result, the United States has prohibited all U.S. commercial arms sales and retransfers to Venezuela since 2006."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2018-10-04
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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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Cuba: U.S. Policy in the 115th Congress [October 31, 2018]
"Cuba remains a one-party authoritarian state with a poor human rights record. Current President Miguel Díaz-Canel succeeded Raúl Castro on April 19, 2018, although Castro is continuing in his position as first secretary of Cuba's Communist Party. Over the past decade, Cuba has implemented gradual market-oriented economic policy changes, but critics maintain that it has not taken enough action to foster sustainable economic growth. Most observers do not anticipate significant policy changes under Díaz-Canel, at least in the short term, but the president faces the enormous challenges of reforming the economy and responding to desires for greater freedom."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2018-10-31
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Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances [Updated November 16, 2018]
"Restrictions on travel and remittances to Cuba have constituted a key and often contentious component in U.S. efforts to isolate Cuba's communist government since the early 1960s. Such restrictions are part of the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR), the overall embargo regulations administered by the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Various Administrations have eased and tightened the restrictions over the years as U.S. policy toward Cuba has changed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2018-11-16
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Cuba: U.S. Policy in the 115th Congress [September 1, 2018]
"Political and economic developments in Cuba and U.S. policy toward the island nation, located just 90 miles from the United States, have been significant congressional concerns for many years. Especially since the end of the Cold War, Congress has played an active role in shaping U.S. policy toward Cuba, first with the enactment of the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 (CDA; P.L. 102-484, Title XVII) and then with the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-114). Both measures strengthened U.S. economic sanctions on Cuba that had first been imposed in the early 1960s but also provided road maps for a normalization of relations, dependent upon significant political and economic changes in Cuba. Congress partially modified its sanctions-based policy toward Cuba when it enacted the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 (TSRA; P.L. 106-387, Title IX) allowing for U.S. agricultural exports to Cuba."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2018-09-01
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Argentina [July 23, 2018]
"Current President Mauricio Macri--leader of the centerright 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 of the Peronist party (Front for Victory, or FPV) 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.
2018-07-23
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Cuba: U.S. Policy in the 115th Congress [November 22, 2017]
"Cuba remains a one-party authoritarian state with a poor record on human rights. Current President Raúl Castro succeeded his long-ruling brother Fidel Castro in 2006, and he is expected to step down in February 2018. Most observers see First Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel as the 'heir apparent' as president, although Raúl likely will continue in his position as first secretary of Cuba's Communist Party. Under Raúl, Cuba has implemented gradual market-oriented economic policy changes over the past decade, but critics maintain that the government has not taken enough action to foster sustainable economic growth. Few observers expect the government to ease its tight control over the political system, especially as the country approaches its political succession in 2018. [...] Congress has played an active role in shaping policy toward Cuba, including the enactment of legislation strengthening and at times easing various U.S. economic sanctions. Since the early 1960s, the centerpiece of U.S. policy has consisted of economic sanctions aimed at isolating the Cuban government. [...] President Trump unveiled a new policy toward Cuba in June 2017 that partially rolls back some of the Obama Administration's efforts to normalize relations. The most significant regulatory changes (effective November 9, 2017) include restrictions on transactions with companies controlled by the Cuban military and the elimination of individual people-to-people travel."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2017-11-22
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Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances [December 4, 2017]
"Restrictions on travel and remittances to Cuba have constituted a key and often contentious component in U.S. efforts to isolate Cuba's communist government since the early 1960s. Such restrictions are part of the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR), the overall embargo regulations administered by the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). [...] The Obama Administration lifted all restrictions on family travel and remittances in 2009. In 2011, the Administration eased restrictions on other types of travel, including travel related to religious, educational, and people-to-people exchanges, and allowed any U.S. person to send remittances to individuals in Cuba. As part of President Obama's major shift in U.S. policy toward Cuba in December 2014, which moved the U.S. approach away from a sanctions-based policy toward one of engagement, the Administration took actions that considerably eased restrictions on nonfamily travel and remittances. [...] In June 2017, the Trump Administration announced a partial rollback of U.S. engagement toward Cuba that included the elimination of individual people-to-people travel and restrictions on financial transactions with companies controlled by the Cuban military, intelligence, or security services or personnel. [...] This report examines developments in U.S. policy restricting travel and remittances to Cuba, current permissible travel and remittances, enforcement of the travel restrictions, and debate on lifting the travel restrictions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2017-12-04
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Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances [ Updated November 16, 2018]
"Restrictions on travel and remittances to Cuba have constituted a key and often contentious component in U.S. efforts to isolate Cuba's communist government since the early 1960s. Such restrictions are part of the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR), the overall embargo regulations administered by the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Various Administrations have eased and tightened the restrictions over the years as U.S. policy toward Cuba has changed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2018-11-16
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Cuba: U.S. Policy in the 116th Congress [March 29, 2019]
From the Document: "This report examines U.S. policy toward Cuba in the 116th Congress. It is divided into three major sections analyzing: (1) Cuba's political and economic environment; (2) U.S. policy toward Cuba; and (3) selected issues in U.S.-Cuban relations, including restrictions on travel and trade, democracy and human rights funding for Cuba, U.S. government-sponsored radio and television broadcasting to Cuba (Radio and T Martí), migration issues, antidrug cooperation, property claims, and U.S. fugitives from justice in Cuba. Relevant legislative initiatives in the 116th Congress are noted throughout the report, and an appendix lists enacted measures and other bills and resolutions. A second appendix provides links to U.S. government information and reports on Cuba."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-03-29
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China's Engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean [Updated April 11, 2019]
From the Document: "As the People's Republic of China (PRC) has increased its engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean over nearly 20 years, U.S. policymakers have raised questions regarding potential implications for U.S. interests in the region. China's engagement with the region has grown significantly since 2001, particularly in terms of diplomatic and economic ties. This growth reflects China's increasing global 'soft power' efforts worldwide. A succession of Chinese leaders and other officials have visited the region to court governments. In turn, regional leaders and officials have been frequent visitors to China. The PRC has signed a variety of bilateral partnership agreements with several countries in the region, including 'strategic partnerships' with Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-04-11
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Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated March 28, 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.
2019-03-28
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Cuba: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated April 3, 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, however, 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. President Trump unveiled a new policy toward Cuba in 2017 introducing new sanctions and partially rolling back some of the Obama Administration's efforts to normalize relations. On March 4, 2019, the Administration ratcheted up its economic pressure on Cuba by allowing some lawsuits to go forward against over 200 Cuba entities operated by the Cuban military, intelligence, or security services for trafficking in confiscated property."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-04-03
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Caribbean Basin Security Initiative [Updated April 3, 2019]
From the Document: "In 2009, the United States developed the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), a regional U.S. foreign assistance program, through a process of dialogue with Caribbean countries. The initiative seeks to reduce illicit trafficking in the region, advance public safety and security, and promote social justice. Because of their geographic location, many Caribbean nations are vulnerable to being used as transit countries for illicit drugs from South America destined for the U.S. and European markets. Strengthened U.S. counternarcotics cooperation with Mexico and Central America--through the Mérida Initiative and the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI)--led U.S. policymakers to anticipate a potential increase in narcotics trafficking through the Caribbean. Many Caribbean countries have also suffered high rates of violent crime, including murder, often associated with drug trafficking activities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-04-03
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Cuba: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated May 3, 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)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-05-03
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Venezuela: Overview of U.S. Sanctions [Updated April 24, 2019]
From the Document: "For more than a decade, the United States has employed sanctions as a policy tool in response to activities of the Venezuelan government and Venezuelan individuals. These have included sanctions related to terrorism, drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, antidemocratic actions, human rights violations, and corruption. Overall, the Treasury Department has imposed financial sanctions on 111 individuals, and the State Department has revoked the visas of hundreds of individuals. On January 28, 2019, the Trump Administration announced sanctions on Venezuela's state-oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A., or PdVSA. Several days before the imposition of the PdVSA sanctions, the United States recognized Juan Guaidó, the head of Venezuela's National Assembly, as the country's interim president and ceased to recognize Nicolás Maduro as the president of Venezuela."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-04-24
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Panama: An Overview [Updated May 9, 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.
2019-05-09
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Cuba: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated April 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)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-04-24
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Argentina: An Overview [Updated April 26, 2019]
From the Document: "Current President Mauricio Macri--leader of the centerright 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.
2019-04-26
