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Cuba: Issues for the 110th Congress [Updated January 23, 2007]
From the Summary: "Since the early 1960s, U.S. policy toward Cuba under Fidel Castro has consisted largely of isolating the communist nation through comprehensive economic sanctions, which have been significantly tightened by the Bush Administration, including restrictions on travel, private humanitarian assistance, and payment terms for U.S. agricultural exports to Cuba. A second component of U.S. policy has consisted of support measures for the Cuban people, including private humanitarian donations and U.S.-sponsored radio and television broadcasting to Cuba. As in past years, the main issue for U.S. policy toward Cuba in the 110th Congress will be how to best support political and economic change in one of the world's remaining few communist nations. Unlike past years, however, Congress is now examining policy toward Cuba in the context of Fidel Castro's temporary, and potentially permanent, departure from the political scene because of health conditions, which could foster a re-examination of U.S. policy. Although there has been broad agreement in Congress on the overall objective of U.S. policy toward Cuba -- to help bring democracy and respect for human rights to the island -- there have been several schools of thought on how best to achieve that objective. [...] Over the past several years, Congress has continued its high level of interest in Cuba with a variety of legislative initiatives regarding sanctions and human rights. Although one or both houses have at times approved legislative provisions that would ease U.S. sanctions on Cuba, ultimately these provisions have been stripped out of the final enacted measures."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2007-01-23
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Cuba: Issues for the 112th Congress [October 6, 2011]
From the Summary: "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. The government of Raúl Castro has implemented limited economic policy changes, including an expansion of self-employment begun in October 2010. A party congress held in April 2011 laid out numerous economic goals that could increase the private sector. Few observers expect the government to ease its tight control over the political system, although it has reduced the number of political prisoners over the past several years, including the release of over 125 since 2010 after talks with the Catholic Church. [...] Strong interest on Cuba is continuing in the 112th Congress. The House Appropriations Committee version of the FY2012 Financial Services appropriations bill, H.R. 2434, would roll back President Obama's actions easing restrictions on remittances and family travel, while the Senate Appropriations Committee version, S. 1573, does not contain such a provision. Both bills would continue to clarify the definition of 'payment of cash in advance' for U.S. agricultural exports to Cuba during FY2012, while S. 1573 would also prohibit restrictions on direct transfers from a Cuban financial institution to U.S. financial institution in payment for licensed U.S. agricultural and medical exports to Cuba."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2011-10-06
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Cuba: Issues for the 110th Congress [Updated July 20, 2007]
From the Summary: "Since the early 1960s, U.S. policy toward Cuba under Fidel Castro has consisted largely of isolating the communist nation through comprehensive economic sanctions, which have been significantly tightened by the Bush Administration, including restrictions on travel, private humanitarian assistance, and payment terms for U.S. agricultural exports to Cuba. A second component of U.S. policy has consisted of support measures for the Cuban people, including private humanitarian donations and U.S.-sponsored radio and television broadcasting to Cuba. As in past years, the main issue for U.S. policy toward Cuba in the 110th Congress will be how to best support political and economic change in one of the world's remaining communist nations. Unlike past years, however, Congress is now examining policy toward Cuba in the context of Fidel Castro's temporary, and potentially permanent, departure from the political scene because of health conditions. Over the past several years, one or both houses have at times approved legislative provisions that would ease U.S. sanctions on Cuba, but ultimately these provisions have been stripped out of the final enacted measures, in part because of presidential veto threats. […] The House-passed version of the FY2008 foreign aid appropriations measure, H.R. 2764, would fully fund the Administration's request for $45.7 million for Cuba democracy programs, while the Senate Appropriations Committee report to the bill would recommend $15 million. The House-passed version would prohibit funding for counternarcotics cooperation with Cuba, while the Senate version would provide $1 million."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2007-07-20
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Honduran-U.S. Relations [May 31, 2007]
From the Summary: "The Central American nation of Honduras, one of the hemisphere's poorest countries, faces significant challenges in the areas of crime, human rights, and improving overall economic and living conditions. While traditional agricultural exports of coffee and bananas are still important for the economy, nontraditional sectors, especially the maquiladora, or export-processing industry, have grown significantly over the past decade. Among the country's development challenges are a poverty rate over 70%, high infant mortality, and a significant HIV/AIDS epidemic. Despite these challenges, increased public spending on health and education have reaped significant improvements in development indicators over the past decade. Current President Manuel Zelaya of the Liberal Party won a four-year term in the November 2005 elections. The country has enjoyed 25 years of uninterrupted elected civilian democratic rule. Public support for the Zelaya government remains firm, buoyed by a strong economy that grew an estimated 6% in 2006. The economy has benefited from significant debt reduction by the international financial institutions that is freeing government resources to finance poverty-reduction programs. A key challenge for the government is curbing violent crime and the growth of youth gangs. The Zelaya government initially vowed to focus on reintegrating gang members into society, but it subsequently has resorted to more traditional law enforcement actions to crack down on the gangs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Olhero, Nelson
2007-05-31
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Honduran-U.S. Relations [Updated January 30, 2008]
This report discusses the current political and economic conditions in Honduras, and relations with the United States including trade, foreign assistance, military presence, migrations issues, drug and human trafficking, port security. From the report: "The United States has a close relationship with Honduras, characterized by 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 Dominican Republic- Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA). There has been extensive cooperation with Honduras on port security. Some 78,000 Hondurans living in the United States have been provided temporary protected status (TPS) since the country was devastated by Hurricane Mitch in 1998. In early May 2007, TPS was extended until January 2009. U.S. foreign aid to Honduras amounted to almost $53 million in FY2006 and an estimated $46 million in FY2007. The Millennium Challenge Corporation approved a five-year $215 million compact with Honduras in 2005. The Administration requested $43 million in FY2008 foreign aid funding for Honduras. Although foreign aid allocations are not yet available, the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 101-161) provided for levels of Development Assistance and Child Survival and Health assistance for Honduras not lower than that provided in FY2007. The Administration has also requested at least $7.4 million in FY2008 supplemental assistance for Honduras as part of the Administration's Mérida Initiative to boost the region's capabilities to interdict the smuggling of drugs, arms, and people, and to support a regional anti-gang strategy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2008-01-30
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Honduras: Political and Economic Situation and U.S. Relations [Updated December 21, 2005]
From the Summary: "Honduras faces enormous challenges in the areas of crime and human rights and improving overall economic and living conditions in one of the hemisphere's poorest countries. The United States has a close relationship with Honduras, characterized by significant foreign assistance, an important trade partnership, a military presence in the country, and cooperation on a range of transnational issues. Honduras signed the original U.S.-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) in May 2004 and an expanded U.S.-Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA) in August 2004. The Honduran Congress approved the agreement on March 3, 2005, by a vote of 124-4, and the U.S. Congress ultimately approved implementing legislation for DR-CAFTA in July 2004 (P.L. [Public Law] 109-53). The Bush Administration views DR-CAFTA as a means of solidifying democracy in Honduras and promoting safeguards for environmental protection and labor rights in the country; critics fear that an agreement without strong environmental and labor provisions will do nothing to spur reforms in the country. For additional information, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL31870, 'The Dominican Republic.-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA)', by J.F. Hornbeck; and CRS Report RL32322, 'Central America and the Dominican Republic in the Context of the Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA) with the United States', by K. Larry Storrs, coordinator."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2005-12-21
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Cuba: Issues for the 112th Congress [July 15, 2011]
"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. The government of Raúl Castro has implemented limited economic policy changes, including an expansion of self-employment begun in October 2010. A party congress held in April laid out numerous economic goals that could increase the private sector. Few observers expect the government to ease its tight control over the political system, although it has reduced the number of political prisoners over the past several years, including the release of more than 125 since mid-2010 after talks with the Catholic Church. […] Strong interest on Cuba is continuing in the 112th Congress, focused on a number of issues, including U.S. sanctions, the human rights situation, Cuba's imprisonment of a U.S. government subcontractor, the status of Cuba's economic reforms and its offshore oil development, and U.S. democracy programs. The House Appropriations Committee-approved version of the FY2012 Financial Services Appropriations bill, H.R. 2434, would (in Section 901) roll back President Obama's actions easing restrictions on remittances and family travel and (in Section 618) continue to clarify the definition of 'payment of cash in advance' for U.S. agricultural exports to Cuba during FY2012. (P.L. 112-10, enacted in April 2011, continued the 'payment of cash in advance' provision for FY2011.) Several introduced bills would ease sanctions: H.R. 255 and H.R. 1887 (overall sanctions); H.R. 833 and H.R. 1888 (agricultural exports); and H.R. 380 and H.R. 1886 (travel)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2011-07-15
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Cuba: Issues for the 110th Congress [Updated September 27, 2007]
From the Summary: "Since the early 1960s, U.S. policy toward Cuba under Fidel Castro has consisted largely of isolating the communist nation through economic sanctions, which the Bush Administration has tightened significantly. A second policy component has consisted of support measures for the Cuban people, including private humanitarian donations and U.S.-sponsored radio and television broadcasting to Cuba. As in past years, the main issue for U.S. policy toward Cuba in the 110th Congress is how to best support political and economic change in one of the world's remaining communist nations. Unlike past years, however, Congress is now examining policy toward Cuba in the context of Fidel Castro's temporary, and potentially permanent, departure from the political scene because of health conditions. In the 110th Congress, both the House-passed and Senate Appropriations Committee reported versions of the FY2008 Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill, H.R. 2829, have provisions that would prevent funds from being used to require the payment of cash in advance prior to the shipment of U.S. agricultural goods to Cuba; the Senate version also would ease restrictions on travel to Cuba for the marketing and sale of agricultural and medical goods. S. 1859, the Senate Appropriations Committee version of the FY2008 agriculture appropriations bill, also has a provision that would ease travel restrictions for the marketing and sale of agricultural and medical goods. On July 27, 2007, the House rejected H.Amdt. 707 to H.R. 2419, the 2007 farm bill, that would have facilitated the export of U.S. agricultural exports to Cuba in several ways."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2007-08-21
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Honduran-U.S. Relations [August 10, 2007]
From the Summary: "The Central American nation of Honduras, one of the hemisphere's poorest countries, faces significant challenges in the areas of crime, human rights, and improving overall economic and living conditions. While traditional agricultural exports of coffee and bananas are still important for the economy, nontraditional sectors, especially the maquiladora, or export-processing industry, have grown significantly over the past decade. Among the country's development challenges are a poverty rate over 70%, high infant mortality, and a significant HIV/AIDS epidemic. Despite these challenges, increased public spending on health and education have reaped significant improvements in development indicators over the past decade. Current President Manuel Zelaya of the Liberal Party won a four-year term in the November 2005 elections. The country has enjoyed 25 years of uninterrupted elected civilian democratic rule. The economy grew an estimated 6% in 2006, benefiting from significant debt reduction by the international financial institutions that is freeing government resources to finance poverty-reduction programs. A key challenge for the government is curbing violent crime and the growth of youth gangs. The United States has a close relationship with Honduras, characterized by 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 Dominican Republic- Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA). There has been extensive cooperation on port security, with the largest port in Honduras, Puerto Cortés, included in both the Container Security Initiative and the Secure Freight Initiative."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Olhero, Nelson
2007-08-10
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Cuba: Issues for the 111th Congress [March 25, 2010]
"Cuba remains a hard-line communist state with a poor record on human rights. The country's political succession from the long-ruling Fidel Castro to his brother Raúl was characterized by a remarkable degree of stability. Fidel stepped down from power in July 2006 because of health reasons, and Raúl assumed provisional control of the government until February 2008 when he officially became President. His government has implemented limited economic policy changes, but there has been disappointment that further reforms have not been forthcoming. The economy was hard hit by storms in 2008 and the global financial crisis has caused further strains. Few observers expect the government to ease its tight control over the political system. Since the early 1960s, U.S. policy has consisted largely of isolating Cuba through economic sanctions. A second policy component has consisted of support measures for the Cuban people, including private humanitarian donations, U.S.-sponsored broadcasting to Cuba, and support for human rights activists. In light of Fidel Castro's departure as head of government, many observers have called for a re-examination of sanctions policy. In this new context, two broad approaches have been advanced: an approach that would maintain the dual-track policy of isolating the Cuban government while providing support to the Cuban people; and an approach aimed at changing attitudes in the Cuban government and society through increased engagement. The Obama Administration has lifted restrictions on family travel and remittances; eased restrictions on telecommunications links with Cuba; restarted semi-annual migration talks; and initiated talks on resuming direct mail services."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2010-03-25
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Cuba: Issues for the 114th Congress [February 27, 2015]
"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, when he would be 86 years old. Castro has implemented a number of market-oriented economic policy changes over the past several years, including an expansion of self-employment. A 2011 party congress laid out numerous economic goals that, if implemented, could significantly alter Cuba's state-dominated economic model. Few observers, however, 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, reflecting a change of tactics in repressing dissent." This document includes charts, tables and graphs to illustrate points and one map.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2015-02-27
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Cuba: Issues for the 109th Congress [Updated August 8, 2006]
"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, whether Fidel returns to power or not. Since the early 1960s, U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted largely of isolating the island nation through comprehensive economic sanctions, which have been significantly tightened by the Bush Administration. Another component of U.S. policy consists of support measures for the Cuban people, including private humanitarian donations and U.S.-sponsored radio and television broadcasting to Cuba. While there appears to be broad agreement on the overall objective of U.S. policy toward Cuba - to help bring democracy and respect for human rights to the island - there are several schools of thought on how to achieve that objective: some advocate maximum pressure on Cuba until reforms are enacted; others argue for lifting some U.S. sanctions judged to be hurting the Cuban people; and still others call for a swift normalization of U.S.-Cuban relations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2006-08-08
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Paraguay: Background and U.S. Relations [October 2, 2007]
"The demise of the long-ruling Stroessner military dictatorship in 1989 initiated a political transition in Paraguay that has been difficult at times. Current President Nicanor Duarte Frutos has implemented some reforms that have addressed corruption and contributed to economic growth. Yet, due in large part to the country's authoritarian past, Paraguay's state institutions remain weak while corruption remains ingrained in the political culture, impeding democratic consolidation and economic development. The April 2008 presidential elections could serve as a test of the strength of Paraguay's democracy since the ruling Colorado Party faces the possibility of losing its dominance after 60 years in power. At this juncture, the opposition is divided mainly between support for former Catholic bishop Fernando Lugo and former General Lino Oviedo, the leader of a failed 1996 coup who was released from prison in early September 2007. Lugo had been the leading opposition candidate and was considered the frontrunner for the elections but the emergence of Oviedo's candidacy has altered the political context. Both Lugo and Oviedo may still be declared ineligible to run in the elections by the Paraguayan Supreme Court. Observers believe that, in the absence of a second-round run off, a divided opposition increases the chances of the Colorado Party's candidate retaining the presidency in the 2008 elections."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Olhero, Nelson
2007-10-02
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Cuba: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated August 6, 2021]
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 Cuban government. [...] The White House press secretary said on March 9, 2021, that although a Cuba policy shift was not among the President's top priorities, the Administration was 'committed to making human rights a core pillar' of policy and would review policy decisions made in the prior administration, including the decision to designate Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. Sanctions imposed under the Trump Administration remain in place. In May, the State Department renewed Cuba's designation as a country not cooperating fully with U.S. anti-terrorism efforts. On July 1, it cited Cuba for labor abuses associated with its foreign medical missions[.] [...] After Cuba's July 11 protests, President Biden and other Administration officials expressed solidarity with the protesters and strongly criticized the Cuban government for its repressive response. As part of the Administration's policy of holding the Cuban government accountable for its repressive actions, on July 22 and 30, the Treasury Department imposed targeted sanctions on several Cuban officials and entities. [...] [T]he Administration established a working group to identify the most effective ways to get remittances directly to the Cuban people, held engagement sessions with members of the Cuban American community, and began reviewing plans to increase staffing at the U.S. Embassy in Havana to facilitate consular services and engagement with civil society."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2021-08-06
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Honduran-U.S. Relations [Updated September 25, 2008]
This Congressional Research Service (CRS) report discusses the current political and economic conditions in Honduras, and relations with the United States including trade, foreign assistance, military presence, migrations issues, drug and human trafficking, port security. "The Central American nation of Honduras, one of the hemisphere's poorest countries, faces significant challenges in the areas of crime, human rights, and improving overall economic and living conditions. […] Among the country's development challenges are a poverty rate over 70%, high infant mortality, and a significant HIV/AIDS epidemic. Despite these challenges, increased public spending on health and education have reaped significant improvements in development indicators over the past decade. […] The country has enjoyed 26 years of uninterrupted elected civilian democratic rule. […] The United States has a close relationship with Honduras, characterized by an important trade partnership, a U.S. military presence in the country, and cooperation on a range of transnational issues, although there have been some recent strains in relations in light of President Zelaya's move toward closer relations with Venezuela. Honduras is a party to the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA). There has been extensive cooperation with Honduras on port security. […] Honduras will also be receiving at least $7.3 million in FY2008 supplemental assistance funding under the Administration's Mérida Initiative designed to boost the region's capabilities to interdict the smuggling of drugs, arms, and people and also support a regional anti-gang strategy (P.L. [Public Law] 110--252). For FY2009, the Administration has requested almost $53 million in assistance for Honduras, and the country would also receive a portion of the $100 million requested for Central America for continuation of the Mérida Initiative."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Meyer, Peter J.
2008-09-25
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China's Engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean [Updated July 1, 2021]
From the Document: "As the People's Republic of China (PRC) has increased its engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) over the past 20years, 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 global 'soft power' efforts and 'influence operations' worldwide. A succession of Chinese leaders and other officials have visited the region to court governments. In turn, regional leaders and officials have frequently visited China. The PRC has signed a variety of bilateral partnership agreements with countries throughout the region, including 'comprehensive strategic partnerships' with Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-
2021-07-01
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U.S. Response to Injuries of U.S. Embassy Personnel in Havana, Cuba
"On September 29, the U.S. Department of State ordered the departure of nonemergency personnel assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba, as well as their families, in order to minimize the risk of their exposure to harm because of a series of unexplained injuries suffered by embassy personnel since November 2016. According to the State Department, 22 persons suffered from 'attacks of unknown nature,' most recently in late August 2017, at U.S. diplomatic residences and hotels where temporary duty staff were staying, with symptoms including 'ear complaints, hearing loss, dizziness, headache, fatigue, cognitive issues, and difficulty sleeping.' Since the incidents were first made public by the State Department in August 2017, numerous press reports have referred to the attacks as being caused by some type of sonic device. State Department officials maintain, however, that the U.S. investigation has not reached a definitive conclusion regarding the cause, source, or any kind of technologies that might have been used."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gill, Cory R.; Sullivan, Mark P.
2017-10-06
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Cuba: Issues for the 109th Congress [Updated May 25, 2005]
"As in past years, the main issue for U.S. policy toward Cuba in the 109th Congress is how to best support political and economic change in one of world's remaining communist nations." This report covers U.S. policy toward Cuba as well as the political, economic and human rights conditions in the country.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2005-05-25
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Venezuela: Political Conditions and U.S. Policy [Updated December 22, 2006]
From the Summary: "Under the populist rule of President Hugo Chávez, […] most recently re-elected to a six-year term in early December 2006, Venezuela has undergone enormous political changes, with a new constitution, a new unicameral legislature, and even a new name for the country, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. U.S. officials and human rights organizations have expressed concerns about the deterioration of democratic institutions and threats to freedom of speech and press […]. As a result [of the benefit from the rise in oil prices], Chávez has been able to increase government expenditures on anti-poverty and other social programs associated with his populist agenda. […] U.S. officials have expressed concerns about President Chávez's plans for military arms purchases, his relations with such countries as Cuba and Iran, and his efforts to export his brand of populism to other Latin American countries. A dilemma for U.S. policymakers has been how to press the Chávez government to adhere to democratic principles […]. In the 109th Congress, the FY2006 Foreign Operations appropriations measure (P.L. 109-102) provided $2 million in Democracy Funds for Venezuela, and $2.2 million in assistance under the Andean Counterdrug Initiative (ACI). […]. Two resolutions on Venezuela were approved in the 109th Congress. H.Con.Res. 400 (Burton), approved July 26, 2006, condemned Venezuela's failures to stem the flow of narcotics through its territory and called for steps to restore cooperation between Venezuela and the Drug Enforcement Administration. S.Res. 607 (Bunning), approved by unanimous consent on December 6, 2006, condemned President Chávez's anti-American rhetoric […]."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2006-12-22
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Argentina: An Overview [Updated September 29, 2021]
"Situated on the Atlantic coast of South America's Southern Cone, Argentina has a vibrant democratic tradition and has Latin America's third-largest economy. U.S.-Argentine relations have been strong in recent years. [...] Upon taking office, President Fernández faced an economy in recession, high poverty, and unsustainable public debt. He pledged to restructure Argentina's debt and opened talks with bondholders and other creditors. He also rolled out several measures, including a food program and price controls on basic goods, aimed at helping low-income Argentines cope with inflation and increased poverty. [...] Argentina has been hard hit by the pandemic. COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] cases and deaths surged in May and June 2021 but have since declined. As of September 29, 2021, the country reported over 115,000 deaths, with a mortality rate of 255 per 100,000 people, according to Johns Hopkins University. Although the procurement and rollout of vaccines was initially slow compared with some other countries, as of September 29, 48.1% of Argentina's population was fully vaccinated. [...] In July 2021, the United States donated 3.5 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna) to Argentina. In addition, according to the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires, the United States has donated more than $4 million in COVID-19 relief supplies, including three relief hospitals and other supplies provided by the U.S. Southern Command."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2021-09-29
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Panama: An Overview [Updated October 7, 2021]
From the Document: "Panama's central location in the Americas (linking North and South America), large financial sector, use of the U.S. dollar as currency, and 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.
2021-10-07
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Jamaica [Updated September 23, 2021]
From the Document: "Jamaica, the most populous English-speaking Caribbean nation, has had a relatively stable parliamentary political system stemming from its history of British colonial rule, though extensive political violence often marred elections in the 1970s and 1980s. Two political parties--the center-left People's National Party (PNP) and the center-right Jamaica Labour Party (JLP)--have dominated the political system since before the country's 1962 independence. [...] The Jamaican economy, which is heavily dependent on services, especially tourism, has been hard hit by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Even before the pandemic, the World Bank characterized Jamaica as an upper-middle-income country struggling due to low growth; high public debt; exposure to natural disasters, such as hurricanes and flooding; and the effects of climate change. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the economy contracted an estimated 10.2% in 2020 and is projected to grow 1.5% in 2021 and 5.7% in 2022. Tourist arrivals fell significantly because of the pandemic. Remittances from Jamaicans abroad are an important source of income and, despite the pandemic, grew nearly 20% in 2020 to about $2.9 billion."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2021-09-23
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Caribbean Basin Security Initiative [Updated November 19, 2020]
From the Document: "The United States developed the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), a regional U.S. foreign assistance program, in 2009 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.
2020-11-19
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Caribbean Basin Security Initiative [Updated January 15, 2021]
From the Document: "The United States developed the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), a regional U.S. foreign assistance program, in 2009 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.
2021-01-15
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Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated June 30, 2021]
From the Document: "U.S. interests in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) are diverse and include economic, political, security, and humanitarian concerns. Geographic proximity has ensured strong economic linkages between the United States and LAC, with the United States a major trading partner and source of foreign investment for many regional countries. Free-trade agreements (FTAs) have augmented U.S. economic relations with 11 countries in the region. LAC is also a large source of U.S. immigration, both authorized and unauthorized; economic and security conditions are major factors driving migration trends. Curbing the flow of illicit drugs from LAC has been a key component of U.S. relations with the region for decades. The flow of illicit drugs--including heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl from Mexico and cocaine from Colombia--poses risks to U.S. public health and safety. Since 2000, Colombia has received support through Plan Colombia and its successor programs. The United States also has sought to forge partnerships with other countries to combat drug trafficking and related violence and to advance citizen security, including through the Mérida Initiative, begun in 2007 to support Mexico; the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI), begun in 2008; and the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), begun in 2009. Another long-standing component of U.S. policy has been support for strengthened democratic governance and the rule of law, including initiatives to support civil society and promote human rights. Although many countries in the region have made strides in democratic political development, several face considerable challenges."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2021-06-30
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Caribbean Basin Security Initiative [Updated April 15, 2021]
From the Document: "The United States developed the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), a regional U.S. foreign assistance program, in 2009 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.
2021-04-15
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Caribbean Basin Security Initiative [Updated March 1, 2019]
"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.
2019-03-01
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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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Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated March 11, 2020]
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. Curbing the flow of illicit drugs from Latin America and the Caribbean has been a key component of U.S. relations with the region and a major interest of Congress for more than four decades. The flow of illicit drugs, including heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl from Mexico and cocaine from Colombia, poses risks to U.S. public health and safety. Since 2000, Colombia has received support through Plan Colombia and its successor programs. For over a decade, the United States also has sought to forge close partnerships with other countries to combat drug trafficking and related violence and advance citizen security. These include the Mérida Initiative, begun in 2007 to support Mexico; the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI), begun in 2008; and the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), begun in 2009."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2020-03-11
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Caribbean Basin Security Initiative [Updated October 10, 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.
2019-10-10
