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• Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances [July 15, 2011]

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  "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. […] Interest on the issue of Cuba travel and remittances is continuing in the 112th Congress. The House Appropriations Committee version of the FY2012 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill, H.R. 2434, would roll back President Obama's easing of restrictions on remittances and family travel. In contrast, several initiatives have been introduced that would lift travel restrictions. H.R. 1886 would prohibit restrictions on travel to Cuba. H.R. 1888, in addition to removing some restrictions on the export of U.S. agricultural products to Cuba, would also prohibit Cuba travel restrictions. Two initiatives that would lift the overall Cuba embargo, H.R. 255 and H.R. 1887, also would lift restrictions on travel and remittances to Cuba. H.R. 380 would prohibit the Treasury Department from making any funds to implement, administer, or enforce regulations requiring specific licenses for travel-related transactions directly related to educational activities in Cuba. (For further information, see CRS Report R41617, Cuba: Issues for the 112th Congress.)"

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2011-07-15
• Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances [July 14, 2011]

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  "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. […] The House Appropriations Committee version of the FY2012 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill, H.R. 2434, would roll back President Obama's easing of restrictions on remittances and family travel. In contrast, several initiatives have been introduced that would lift travel restrictions. H.R. 1886 would prohibit restrictions on travel to Cuba. H.R. 1888, in addition to removing some restrictions on the export of U.S. agricultural products to Cuba, would also prohibit Cuba travel restrictions. Two initiatives that would lift the overall Cuba embargo, H.R. 255 and H.R. 1887, also would lift restrictions on travel and remittances to Cuba."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2011-07-14
• Latin America: Energy Supply, Political Developments, and U.S. Policy Approaches [October May 8, 2007]

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  "Western Hemisphere countries supply the United States with almost 50% of its imported oil and petroleum products. Three countries in the hemisphere: Canada, Mexico, and Venezuela, account for the lion's share. Other significant oil producers in the region include Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, and Argentina...This report examines Latin America's current political environment and its apparent effect on energy production in the region. It also examines regional integration efforts, including Venezuela's oil programs offering oil to many Latin American and Caribbean countries on a preferential basis, the Mexico-led Meso-American Energy Integration Program, and the proposed South American natural gas pipeline. The report also examines policy approaches that have been proposed for increased hemispheric energy cooperation, congressional interest in the topic of hemispheric energy security, and related legislative initiatives."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Seelke, Clare Ribando

  2007-05-08
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Fact Sheet on Leaders and Elections [Updated August 8, 2007]

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  "This fact sheet tracks the current heads of government in Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and provides the dates of the last and next election for head of government. It also provides the national independence date for each country."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Gomez, Julissa

  2007-08-08
• Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances [Updated August 21, 2007]

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  "Restrictions on travel to Cuba have been a key and often contentious component in U.S. efforts to isolate the communist government of Fidel Castro for much of the past 40 years. Over time, there have been numerous changes to the restrictions, and for five years, from 1977 until 1982, there were no restrictions on travel to Cuba. Under the Bush Administration, enforcement of U.S. restrictions on Cuba travel has increased, and restrictions on travel and on private remittances to Cuba have been 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. In 2005, the Administration further restricted religious travel to Cuba by changing licensing guidelines for such travel. In the 109th Congress, several amendments to FY2006 and FY2007 appropriations bills that would have eased Cuba travel restrictions were defeated. Several bills were introduced that would have lifted or eased restrictions on travel and the provision of remittances to Cuba, but no action was taken on these measures. In the 110th Congress, two pending Senate Appropriations Committee-reported versions of appropriations bills have provisions that would ease restrictions on travel to Cuba for the marketing and sale of agricultural and medical goods."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2007-08-21
• Cuba and the State Sponsors of Terrorism List [Updated August 22, 2006]

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  "Cuba's retention on the terrorism list has received more attention in recent years in light of increased support for legislative initiatives to lift some U.S. sanctions under the current economic embargo. Should U.S. restrictions be lifted, a variety of trade and aid restrictions would remain in place because of Cuba's retention on the terrorism list. Supporters of keeping Cuba on the terrorism list argue that there is ample evidence that Cuba supports terrorism. They point to the government's history of supporting terrorist acts and armed insurgencies in Latin America and Africa. They stress the government's continued hosting of members of foreign terrorist organizations and U.S. fugitives from justice. Critics of retaining Cuba on the terrorism list maintain that the policy is a holdover from the Cold War and that Cuba no longer supports terrorism abroad. They argue that domestic political considerations are responsible for keeping Cuba on the terrorism list and question many of the allegations made in the State Department report."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2006-08-22
• Cuba After Fidel Castro: U.S. Policy Implications and Approaches [Updated September 2, 2006]

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  "Cuba has remained a hard-line communist state under Fidel Castro for more than 47 years, but Fidel's July 31, 2006 announcement that he was ceding political power to his brother Raúl for several weeks in order to recover from surgery could be the beginning of a political transition. Recent surgery and advanced age make the date of his permanent departure from the political scene all the closer. Before his recent surgery, observers discerned several potential scenarios for Cuba's future after Fidel. These scenarios are: the continuation of a communist government; a military government; or a democratic transition or fully democratic government. According to most observers, the most likely short term scenario is a successor communist government led by Raúl Castro. This the most likely scenario for a variety of reasons, but especially because of Raúl's official designation as successor and his position as leader of the Cuban military. In the new context of Fidel's transfer of power, there are two broad policy approaches to contend with political change in Cuba: a stay-the-course or status-quo approach that would maintain the U.S. dual-track policy of isolating the Cuban government while providing support to the Cuban people; and an approach aimed at influencing the Cuban government and Cuban society through increased contact and engagement. For further information, see CRS Report RL32730, Cuba: Issues for the 109th Congress; CRS Report RL31139, Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances; and CRS Report RL32251, Cuba and the State Sponsors of Terrorism List and S.3769 (Ensign)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2006-09-02
• Honduras: Political and Economic Situation and U.S. Relations [Updated October 13, 2006]

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  "Honduras faces significant challenges in the areas of crime and human rights and improving overall economic and living conditions in one of the hemisphere's poorest countries. In November 2005, Hondurans elected Manuel Zelaya of the Liberal Party as president in an election marred by technical difficulties that delayed the official count. The United States has a close relationship with Honduras, characterized by significant foreign assistance, an important trade partnership, a U.S. military presence in the country, and cooperation on a range of transnational issues. Honduras is a party to the U.S.-Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA), which was approved by the Honduran Congress in March 2005 and by the U.S. Congress in July 2005 (P.L. 109-53). The agreement entered into force with Honduras on April 1, 2006. In February 2006, the Department of Homeland Security announced the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for some 75,000 eligible Hondurans in the United States until July 5, 2007; TPS had been scheduled to expire on July 5, 2006. For additional information, see CRS Report RL31870, The Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA); CRS Report RS20844, Temporary Protected Status: Current Immigration Policy and Issues; and CRS Report RS22141, Gangs in Central America."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2006-10-13
• Cuba After Fidel Castro: U.S. Policy Implications and Approaches [Updated September 1, 2006]

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  "Cuba has remained a hard-line communist state under Fidel Castro for more than 47 years, but Fidel's July 31, 2006 announcement that he was ceding political power to his brother Raúl for several weeks in order to recover from surgery could be the beginning of a political transition. Over the past few years, there has been increased speculation about Cuba's future without Fidel, who turned 80 on August 13, 2006. While previous predictions about Fidel's imminent demise proved premature, his recent surgery and advanced age make the date of his permanent departure from the political scene all the closer. Before his recent surgery, observers discerned several potential scenarios for Cuba's future after Fidel. These fit into three broad categories: the continuation of a communist government; a military government; or a democratic transition or fully democratic government. According to most observers, the most likely scenario, at least in the short term, is a successor communist government led by Raúl Castro. This is the most likely scenario for a variety of reasons, but especially because of Raúl's official designation as successor and his position as leader of the Cuban military. For further information, see CRS Report RL32730, Cuba: Issues for the 109th Congress; CRS Report RL31139, Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances; and CRS Report RL32251, Cuba and the State Sponsors of Terrorism List."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2006-09-01
• Cuba After Fidel Castro: U.S. Policy Implications and Approaches [August 23, 2006]

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  "Cuba has remained a hard-line communist state under Fidel Castro for more than 47 years, but Fidel's July 31, 2006 announcement that he was ceding political power to his brother Raúl for several weeks in order to recover from surgery could be the beginning of a political transition. Over the past few years, there has been increased speculation about Cuba's future without Fidel, who turned 80 on August 13, 2006. While previous predictions about Fidel's imminent demise proved premature, his recent surgery and advanced age make the date of his permanent departure from the political scene all the closer. Before his recent surgery, observers discerned several potential scenarios for Cuba's future after Fidel. These fit into three broad categories: the continuation of a communist government; a military government; or a democratic transition or fully democratic government. According to most observers, the most likely scenario, at least in the short term, is a successor communist government led by Raúl Castro. This the most likely scenario for a variety of reasons, but especially because of Raúl's official designation as successor and his position as leader of the Cuban military."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2006-08-23
• Latin America: Energy Supply, Political Developments, and U.S. Policy Approaches [October 17, 2006]

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  "Western Hemisphere countries supply the United States with almost 50% of its imported oil and petroleum products. Three countries in the hemisphere: Canada, Mexico, and Venezuela, account for the lion's share. Other significant oil producers in the region include Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, and Argentina. This report examines Latin America's current political environment and its apparent effect on energy production in the region. It also examines regional integration efforts, including Venezuela's oil programs offering oil to many Latin American and Caribbean countries on a preferential basis, the Mexico-led Meso-American Energy Integration Program, and the proposed South American natural gas pipeline. The report also examines policy approaches that have been proposed for increased hemispheric energy cooperation, congressional interest in the topic of hemispheric energy security, and related legislative initiatives in the 109th Congress. This report will be updated to reflect any additional legislative action taken through the end of the 109th Congress."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Seelke, Clare Ribando

  2006-10-17
• Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances [Updated August 30, 2006]

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  "Restrictions on travel to Cuba have been a key and often contentious component in U.S. efforts to isolate the communist government of Fidel Castro for much of the past 40 years. Over time, there have been numerous changes to the restrictions, and for five years, from 1977 until 1982, there were no restrictions on travel to Cuba. Under the Bush Administration, enforcement of U.S. restrictions on Cuba travel has increased, and restrictions on travel and on private remittances to Cuba have been 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. In 2005, the Administration further restricted religious travel to Cuba by changing licensing guidelines for such travel. This report will be updated to reflect major developments. For additional information, see CRS Report RL32730, Cuba: Issues for the 109th Congress, by Mark P. Sullivan."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2006-08-30
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Issues for the 110th Congress [Updated August 31, 2007]

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  "Over the past two decades, the Latin America and Caribbean region has made enormous strides in terms of political and economic development. Twelve countries held successful elections for head of government in 2006, including a close election in Mexico. To date in 2007, the Bahamas held elections in May; elections are scheduled for Jamaica and Guatemala in September, Argentina in October, and are due to be called in Trinidad and Tobago by October. Although the region overall experienced an economic setback in 2002-2003, it has rebounded since 2004, most recently experiencing a growth rate over 5% in 2006. Despite this progress, several nations face considerable challenges that affect U.S. interests and policy in the region. These include persistent poverty, violent guerrilla conflicts, autocratic leaders, drug trafficking, increasing crime, and the rise of a new form of populism in several countries. In the 110th Congress, legislative and oversight attention to Latin America and the Caribbean has focused on continued counternarcotics efforts, especially in the Andean region; immigration reform (which stalled in June 2007) and increased border security, which have been key issues in relations with Mexico; efforts to deal with threats to democracy and the rise of populism in such nations as Venezuela, Bolivia, and Ecuador; debate over the best means to foster political change in Communist Cuba; trade issues, including the extension of Andean trade preferences and potential consideration of implementing legislation for free trade agreements (FTAs); and continued efforts to support stability and poverty alleviation in Haiti."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Cook, Colleen W.; Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.)

  2007-08-31
• Caribbean-U.S. Relations: Issues in the 110th Congress [August 31, 2007]

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  "With some 42 million people encompassing 16 independent countries and 13 overseas territories, the Caribbean is a diverse region that includes some of the hemisphere's richest and poorest nations. The region consists of 13 island countries, from the Bahamas in the north to Trinidad and Tobago in the south; Belize, which is geographically located in Central America; and the two countries of Guyana and Suriname, located on the north central coast of South America. With the exception of Cuba and Haiti, regular elections in the region are the norm, and for the most part have been free and fair. Nevertheless, while many Caribbean nations have long democratic traditions, they are not immune to threats to their political stability, including terrorism. Many nations in the region experienced economic decline in 2001-2002 due to downturns in the tourism and agriculture sectors, but most Caribbean economies have rebounded since 2003."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2007-08-31
• Cuba's Political Succession: From Fidel to Raul Castro [Updated February 29, 2008]

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  From the Summary: "Cuba's political succession from Fidel Castro to his brother Raúl has been characterized by a remarkable degree of stability. On February 24, 2008, Cuba's legislature selected Raúl as President of the 31-member Council of State, a position that officially made him Cuba's head of government and state. Most observers expected this since Raúl already had been heading the Cuban government on a provisional basis since July 2006 when Fidel stepped down as President because of poor health. On February 19, 2008, Fidel had announced that he would not accept the position of President of the Council of State. Cuba's stable political succession from one communist leader to another raises questions about the future direction of U.S. policy, which currently can be described as a sanctions-based policy that ties the easing of sanctions to democratic change in Cuba. For developments in U.S. policy toward Cuba, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL33819, Cuba: Issues for the 110th Congress; and CRS Report RL31139, Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances. For background and analysis in the aftermath of Fidel Castro's stepping down from power in July 2006, see CRS Report RL33622, Cuba's Future Political Scenarios and U.S. Policy Approaches."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2008-02-29
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Fact Sheet on Leaders and Elections [Updated September 20, 2007]

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  "This fact sheet tracks the current heads of government in Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and provides the dates of the last and next election for head of government. It also provides the national independence date for each country."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Gomez, Julissa

  2007-09-20
• Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances [Updated October 9, 2007]

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  "Restrictions on travel to Cuba have been a key and often contentious component in U.S. efforts to isolate the communist government of Fidel Castro for much of the past 40 years. Over time, there have been numerous changes to the restrictions, and for five years, from 1977 until 1982, there were no restrictions on travel to Cuba. Under the Bush Administration, enforcement of U.S. restrictions on Cuba travel has increased, and restrictions on travel and on private remittances to Cuba have been 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. In 2005, the Administration further restricted religious travel to Cuba by changing licensing guidelines for such travel. In the 109th Congress, several amendments to FY2006 and FY2007 appropriations bills that would have eased Cuba travel restrictions were defeated. Several bills were introduced that would have lifted or eased restrictions on travel and the provision of remittances to Cuba, but no action was taken on these measures. In the 110th Congress, two pending Senate Appropriations Committee-reported versions of appropriations bills have provisions that would ease restrictions on travel to Cuba for the marketing and sale of agricultural and medical goods."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2007-10-09
• Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances [Updated January 22, 2008]

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  "Restrictions on travel to Cuba have been a key and often contentious component in U.S. efforts to isolate the communist government of Fidel Castro for much of the past 40 years. Over time, there have been numerous changes to the restrictions, and for five years, from 1977 until 1982, there were no restrictions on travel to Cuba. Under the Bush Administration, enforcement of U.S. restrictions on Cuba travel has increased, and restrictions on travel and on private remittances to Cuba have been 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. In 2005, the Administration further restricted religious travel to Cuba by changing licensing guidelines for such travel. In the first session of the 110th Congress, two Senate Appropriations Committee reported versions of appropriations bills that had provisions easing restrictions on travel to Cuba for the marketing and sale of agricultural and medical goods, but ultimately these provisions were not included in the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 110-161)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2008-01-22
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Fact Sheet on Leaders and Elections [Updated October 26, 2006]

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  "This fact sheet tracks the current heads of government in Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and provides the dates of the last and next election for head of government. It also provides the national independence date for each country."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Gomez, Julissa

  2006-10-26
• Latin American and the Caribbean: Issues for the 110th Congress [January 23, 2007]

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  From the Document: "In the 110th Congress, legislative and oversight attention to Latin America and the Caribbean will likely focus on continued counternarcotics efforts, especially in the Andean region; potential immigration reform and increased border security, which have been key issues in relations with Mexico; efforts to deal with potential threats to democracy and the rise of populism in such nations as Venezuela, Bolivia, and Ecuador; debate over the best means to foster political change in Communist Cuba; and trade issues, including the potential consideration of implementing legislation for free trade agreements (FTAs). Curbing the flow of illicit drugs from Mexico and South America into the United States has been a key component of U.S. relations with Latin America for almost two decades. Since 2000, the centerpiece of this policy has been the Andean Counterdrug Initiative (ACI) aimed at supporting Colombia and its neighbors in eradicating the production of illicit drugs. From FY2000-FY2006, the United States provided around $5 billion for the ACI. This report, an overview of U.S. relations with Latin America and the Caribbean, focuses on the role of Congress and congressional concerns, and will be updated periodically."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.); Cook, Colleen W.

  2007-01-23
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Issues for the 109th Congress [Updated September 13, 2006]

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  "Legislative and oversight attention to Latin America and the Caribbean in the 109th Congress has focused on continued counternarcotics efforts; trade issues; challenges to democracy, especially in Venezuela; efforts to bring political stability and ameliorate poverty in Haiti; efforts to foster political change in Cuba; and cooperation on migration and border security, especially with Mexico. [...] This report, updated bimonthly, provides an overview of U.S. relations with Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on the role of Congress and congressional concerns."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.); Cook, Colleen W.

  2006-09-13
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Fact Sheet on Leaders and Elections [Updated April 24, 2006]

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  "This fact sheet tracks the current heads of government in Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and provides the dates of the last and next election for head of government. It also provides the national independence date for each country."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Gomez, Julissa

  2006-04-24
• Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances [Updated February 27, 2007]

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  "To date in the 110th Congress, several measures have been introduced that would lift or ease restrictions on travel and on the provision of remittances to Cuba. H.R. 654 (Rangel), the Export Freedom to Cuba Act of 2007, would lift overall restrictions on travel to Cuba. Two bills that would lift most economic sanctions on Cuba - H.R. 217 (Serrano), the Cuba Reconciliation Act, and H.R. 624 (Rangel), the Free Trade With Cuba Act - would lift restrictions on travel and on the provision of remittances to Cuba. H.R. 177 (Lee), the Pursuit of International Education (PIE) Act of 2007, would ease restrictions on educational travel to Cuba. H.R. 757 (Delahunt), the Cuban-American Family Rights Restoration Act, would lift restrictions on family travel and the provision of remittances for family members in Cuba. H.R. 1026 (Moran), a bill that would ease restrictions on exporting agricultural products to Cuba, includes a provision that would provide for a general license for travel transactions related to the marketing and sale of agricultural products, as opposed to the current requirement of a specific license for such travel transactions. This report will be updated to reflect major developments. For additional information on Cuba, see CRS Report RL33819, Cuba: Issues for the 110th Congress; CRS Report RL33622, Cuba's Future Political Scenarios and U.S. Policy Approaches; CRS Report RL32251, Cuba and the State Sponsors of Terrorism List; CRS Report RL33499, Exempting Food and Agriculture Products from U.S. Economic Sanctions: Status and Implementation; and CRS Report RS20468, Cuban Migration Policy and Issues."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2007-02-27
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Issues for the 110th Congress [Updated February 26, 2007]

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  "Over the past two decades, the Latin America and Caribbean region has made enormous strides in terms of political and economic development. Twelve countries held successful elections for head of government in 2006, including a close election in Mexico, and in 2007, five other countries have elections scheduled. Although the region overall experienced an economic setback in 2002-2003, it has rebounded since 2004, and most recently experienced an average growth rate over 5% in 2006. Despite this progress, several nations face considerable challenges that threaten political stability or pose challenges for U.S. interests and policy in the region. These include persistent poverty, violent guerrilla conflicts, autocratic leaders, drug trafficking, increasing crime, and the rise of a new form of populism in several countries. In the 110th Congress, legislative and oversight attention to Latin America and the Caribbean will likely focus on continued counternarcotics efforts, especially in the Andean region; potential immigration reform and increased border security, which have been key issues in relations with Mexico; efforts to deal with potential threats to democracy and the rise of populism in such nations as Venezuela, Bolivia, and Ecuador; debate over the best means to foster political change in Communist Cuba; trade issues, including the potential consideration of implementing legislation for free trade agreements (FTAs); and continued efforts to support stability and poverty alleviation in Haiti."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.); Cook, Colleen W.

  2007-02-26
• Cuba after Fidel Castro: Issues for U.S. Policy [August 23, 2005]

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  "Over the past few years, there has been increased speculation about Cuba's future without Fidel Castro, who has ruled the country since the 1959 Cuban revolution. Castro turned 79 on August 13, 2005, and while over the years news of his imminent demise proved premature, his advanced age makes the date of his departure from the political scene all the closer. The U.S. government has begun to plan in various ways for Cuba without Fidel at the helm. This has included examining transition issues and appointing a State Department Cuba Transition Coordinator. Some observers, however, question the adequacy of the transition planning, in part because it does not recognize the likelihood of a successor communist government headed by Fidel's brother Raúl. This report first examines various transition scenarios for Cuba after Fidel Castro. It then examines implications of the transition for U.S. policy, including U.S. government preparation and current legislative conditions for dealing with a new government. This report will not be updated. For further information on Cuba, including current legislative initiatives, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL32730, 'Cuba: Issues for the 109th Congress'; and CRS Report RL31139, 'Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances.'"

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2005-08-23
• Latin America: Terrorism Issues [January 14, 2005]

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  "In the aftermath of the September 2001 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington D.C., U.S. attention to terrorism in Latin America intensified, with an increase in bilateral and regional cooperation. Latin American nations strongly condemned the attacks, and took action through the Organization of American States (OAS) to strengthen hemispheric cooperation. In June 2002, OAS members signed an Inter-American Convention Against Terrorism. President Bush submitted the convention to the Senate in November 2002 for its advice and consent, and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a public hearing on June 17, 2004. In its annual report on worldwide terrorism, the State Department highlights threats in Colombia, Peru, and the tri-border region of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. The State Department also has designated four terrorist groups (three in Colombia and one in Peru) as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, and Cuba has been listed as a state sponsor of terrorism since 1982."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2005-01-14
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Issues for the 109th Congress [December 21, 2006]

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  "Over the past two decades, the Latin America and Caribbean region has made enormous strides in terms of political and economic development. In 2006, elections for head of government were held in 12 countries in the region, including the close election in Mexico in July, the re-election of presidents in Brazil, Colombia, Guyana, and Venezuela, and the election of former heads of government in Costa Rica, Haiti, Nicaragua, Peru, and St. Lucia. Although the region overall experienced an economic setback in 2002-2003, it has rebounded since 2004. Nevertheless, several nations faced considerable challenges that threatened political stability, including persistent poverty, violent guerrilla conflicts, autocratic leaders, drug trafficking, increasing crime, and the rise of a new form of populism in several countries. […] With regard to democracy, Congress provided continued support to Haiti, the hemisphere's poorest nation, under the new government of Rene Preval. Venezuela remained a congressional concern because of fears that President Hugo Chávez has been using his political power to push toward authoritarian rule. With regard to U.S. policy toward Cuba, Congress continued to debate whether loosening or tightening the U.S. embargo would encourage political change. This report provides an overview of U.S. relations with Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on the role of Congress and congressional concerns in the 109th Congress. It reflects final actions of the 109th Congress and will not be updated. For further information, see the CRS [Congressional Research Service] products listed after each topic."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Cook, Colleen W.; Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.)

  2006-12-21
• Latin America: Terrorism Issues [March 29, 2005]

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  "In the aftermath of the September 2001 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington D.C., U.S. attention to terrorism in Latin America intensified, with an increase in bilateral and regional cooperation. Latin American nations strongly condemned the attacks, and took action through the Organization of American States (OAS) to strengthen hemispheric cooperation. In June 2002, OAS members signed an Inter-American Convention Against Terrorism. President Bush submitted the convention to the Senate in November 2002 for its advice and consent, and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a public hearing on June 17, 2004. In its annual report on worldwide terrorism, the State Department highlights threats in Colombia, Peru, and the tri-border region of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. The State Department also has designated four terrorist groups (three in Colombia and one in Peru) as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, and Cuba has been listed as a state sponsor of terrorism since 1982."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2005-03-29
• Latin America: Terrorism Issues [June 30, 2006]

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  "In the aftermath of the September 2001 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, DC, U.S. attention to terrorism in Latin America intensified, with an increase in bilateral and regional cooperation. Latin American nations strongly condemned the attacks, and took action through the Organization of American States (OAS) to strengthen hemispheric cooperation. In June 2002, OAS members signed an Inter-American Convention Against Terrorism. President Bush submitted the Convention to the Senate in November 2002. On October 7, 2005, the Senate agreed to the resolution of advice and consent on the Convention, and the United States deposited its instruments of ratification for the Convention on November 15, 2005. In its 2005 report on global terrorism, issued in April 2006, the State Department highlighted threats in Colombia, Peru, and the tri-border area of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, but noted that there were no known operational cells of Islamic terrorists in the hemisphere. Cuba has been on the State Department's list of state sponsors of terrorism since 1982 pursuant to Section 6(j) of the Export Administration Act of 1979, which triggers a number of foreign aid sanctions. In May 2006, the Department of State, pursuant to Section 40A of the Arms Export Control Act, prohibited the sale or license of defense articles and services to Venezuela because of its lack of cooperation on antiterrorism efforts."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2006-06-30
• Latin America: Terrorism Issues [January 22, 2007]

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  "U.S. attention to terrorism in Latin America intensified in the aftermath of the September 2001 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, with an increase in bilateral and regional cooperation. Latin American nations strongly condemned the attacks, and took action through the Organization of American States (OAS) to strengthen hemispheric cooperation. OAS members signed an Inter-American Convention Against Terrorism in 2002. The Senate agreed to the resolution of advice and consent on the Convention in the 109th Congress and the United States ratified it in November 2005. In its April 2006 report on global terrorism, the State Department highlighted threats in Colombia, Peru, and the tri-border area of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, but noted that there were no known operational cells of Islamic terrorists in the hemisphere. Cuba has remained on the State Department's list of state sponsors of terrorism since 1982, which triggers a number of economic sanctions. In May 2006, the Department of State, pursuant to Arms Export Control Act, added Venezuela to its annual list of countries not cooperating on antiterrorism efforts, which triggered prohibitions on the sale or license of defense articles and services to that country. Cuba also has been on that list for many years. The 110th Congress will likely continue to monitor potential terrorist threats in Latin America and the region's cooperation with the United States on antiterrorism efforts, and will consider the Administration's FY2008 request for Anti-Terrorism Assistance to the region in Foreign Operations appropriations legislation."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2007-01-22