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Honduran-U.S. Relations [June 18, 2010]
"On January 27, 2010, Porfirio 'Pepe' Lobo Sosa was inaugurated President of Honduras. Lobo assumed power after seven months of domestic political crisis and international isolation that had resulted from the June 28, 2009, ouster of President Manuel Zelaya. While the strength of Lobo's National Party in the legislature should help the government secure approval of its policy agenda, the political crisis left the new President with daunting challenges, including a high level of domestic political polarization, difficulty securing international recognition, a battered economy, and a poor human rights situation exacerbated by the murders of journalists and human rights defenders. Moreover, for a number of years, Honduras has had a poor security situation with high rates of violent crime. [...] Although relations were strained during the political crisis, the United States has traditionally had a close relationship with Honduras. Broad U.S. policy goals include a strengthened democracy with an effective justice system that protects human rights and promotes the rule of law, and the promotion of sustainable economic growth with a more open economy and improved living conditions. In addition to providing Honduras with substantial amounts of foreign assistance and maintaining significant military and economic ties, the United States cooperates with Honduras to deal with transnational issues such as illegal migration, crime, narcotics trafficking, trafficking in persons, and port security."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Meyer, Peter J.
2010-06-18
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Fact Sheet on Leaders and Elections [June 2, 2010]
"This fact sheet tracks the current heads of government in Central and South America, Mexico,
and the Caribbean. It provides the dates of the last and next elections for the head of government and the national independence date for each country."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gomez, Julissa; Sullivan, Mark P.
2010-06-02
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Panama: Political and Economic Conditions and U.S. Relations [May 5, 2010]
"With five successive elected civilian governments, the Central American nation of Panama has made notable political and economic progress since the 1989 U.S. military intervention that ousted the regime of General Manuel Noriega from power. Current President Ricardo Martinelli of the center-right Democratic Change (CD) party was elected in May 2009, defeating the ruling center-left Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD) in a landslide. Martinelli was inaugurated to a five-year term on July 1, 2009. […]. The United States has close relations with Panama, stemming in large part from the extensive linkages developed when the canal was under U.S. control and Panama hosted major U.S. military installations. The current relationship is characterized by extensive counternarcotics cooperation, assistance to help Panama assure the security of the Canal, and a proposed bilateral free trade agreement (FTA). […]. In June 2007, the United States and Panama signed a proposed bilateral FTA, and Panama's National Assembly overwhelmingly approved the agreement in July 2007. While the 111th Congress could consider implementing legislation for the FTA, a number of observers believe that it is unlikely that it will be considered this year. Final issues being worked out relate to worker rights and to Panama's bank secrecy laws. H.Res. 987 (Frelinghuysen), introduced in December 2009, would express the sense of the House that the FTA with Panama should be implemented immediately, and H.Res. 1124 (Mack), introduced in February 2010, would call on President Obama to submit the Panama FTA to Congress and work to ensure that it is approved."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2010-05-05
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Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances [April 16, 2010]
"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. […] In the aftermath of that election, the 111th Congress took action to ease some restrictions on travel to Cuba by including two provisions in the FY2009 omnibus appropriations measure (P.L. 111-8), which President Obama signed into law on March 11, 2009. The first provision eased restrictions on family travel, which the Treasury Department implemented by issuing a general license for such travel as it existed prior to the Bush Administration's tightening of family travel restrictions in June 2004. The second provision eased travel restrictions related to the marketing and sale of agricultural and medical goods to Cuba, and required the Treasury Department to issue a general license for such travel. In April 2009, President Barack 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 for commercial telecommunications transactions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2010-04-16
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Fact Sheet on Leaders and Elections [April 2, 2010]
"This fact sheet tracks the current heads of government in Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. It provides the dates of the last and next elections for the head of government and the national independence date for each country. This fact sheet is current as of April 2, 2010."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Gomez, Julissa
2010-04-02
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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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Venezuela: Issues in the 111th Congress [February 8, 2010]
"The United States traditionally has had close relations with Venezuela, the fourth major supplier of foreign oil to the United States, but there has been friction with the Chávez government. U.S. officials have expressed concerns about human rights, Venezuela's military arms purchases, its relations with Cuba and Iran, and its efforts to export its brand of populism to other Latin American countries. Declining cooperation on anti-drug and anti-terrorism efforts has also been a concern. In September 2008, bilateral relations worsened when President Chávez expelled the U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela, and the United States responded in kind. Under the Obama Administration, Venezuela and the United States reached an agreement for the return of respective ambassadors in July 2009. While some observers are hopeful that the return of ambassadors will mark an improvement in relations, others emphasize continued U.S. concerns about the Venezuelan government's treatment of the news media and political opposition and about interference in the affairs of other countries in the region. […]. In the 111th Congress, House-passed H.R. 2410 includes a provision noting the close relationship between Iran and Venezuela, and requiring a report on the actions of Iran and Hezbollah in the Western Hemisphere, and House-passed H.R. 2194 would amend the Iran Sanctions Act to make gasoline sales to Iran subject to U.S. sanctions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2010-02-08
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Mexico-U.S. Relations: Issues for Congress [February 3, 2010]
"The United States and Mexico have a close and complex bilateral relationship, with extensive economic linkages as neighbors and partners under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Bilateral relations are characterized by strong commercial and cultural ties and cooperation on a range of bilateral and international issues. In recent years, security issues have dominated the bilateral agenda, as the United States has supported Mexican President Felipe Calderón's campaign against drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) and organized crime. […] During its second session, the 111th Congress is likely to maintain an active interest in Mexico with counternarcotics, border, and trade issues dominating the agenda. To date, Congress has appropriated some $1.3 billion in assistance for Mexico under the Mérida Initiative, an anti-crime and counterdrug package first funded in FY2008, including $210.3 million in the FY2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 111-117). Congress is likely to maintain a keen interest in how implementation of the Mérida Initiative and related domestic initiatives to improve border security are proceeding, particularly as it considers the President's FY2011 budget request, which includes at least $341 million in assistance to Mexico, including $310 million in assistance accounts that have funded the Mérida Initiative. Congress may also be interested in how the Obama Administration moves to resolve the current trucking dispute with Mexico now that P.L. 111-117 would permit the resumption of a U.S.-funded pilot program for Mexican trucks. Congress may also consider proposals for comprehensive immigration reform."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Seelke, Clare Ribando; Beittel, June S.
2010-02-03
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Fact Sheet on Leaders and Elections [January 28, 2010]
"This fact sheet tracks the current heads of government in Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. It provides the dates of the last and next elections for the head of government and the national independence date for each country."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Gomez, Julissa
2010-01-28
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Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances [January 25, 2010]
"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. [...] Dating back to 2000, there have been numerous legislative efforts to ease restrictions on travel to Cuba in various ways. [...] During the 2008 electoral campaign, Barack Obama pledged to lift restrictions on family travel to Cuba as well as restrictions on Cuban Americans sending remittances to Cuba. In the aftermath of that election, the 111th Congress took action to ease some restrictions on travel to Cuba by including two provisions in the FY2009 omnibus appropriations measure (P.L. 111-8), which President Obama signed into law on March 11, 2009. [...] Several legislative initiatives have been introduced in the 111th Congress that would further ease Cuba travel restrictions: H.R. 874 /S. 428 and H.R. 1528 would prohibit restrictions on travel to Cuba; H.R. 188, H.R. 1530, and H.R. 2272, which would lift the overall embargo on Cuba, would also lift travel restrictions; H.R. 1531/ S. 1089, which would facilitate the export of U.S. agricultural products to Cuba, would also prohibit Cuba travel restrictions; H.R. 332 would ease restrictions on educational travel; S. 774, H.R. 1918, and S. 1517 would allow for travel related to hydrocarbon exploration and extraction activities. In contrast, H.Con.Res. 132 would call for the fulfillment of certain democratic conditions before the United States increases trade and tourism to Cuba."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2010-01-25
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Cuba: Issues for the 111th Congress [January 13, 2010]
"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. In light of Fidel Castro's departure as head of government, many observers have called for a re-examination of 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 within the Cuban government and society through increased contact and engagement. In April 2009, President Obama announced that his Administration would allow unlimited family travel and remittances and greater telecommunications links; on September 3, 2009, the Treasury and Commerce Department issued regulations implementing these policy changes. The 111th Congress took action on Cuba in several measures in 2009. In March, it approved three provisions in the FY2009 omnibus appropriations measure (P.L. 111-8) that eased sanctions on family travel, travel for the marketing of agricultural and medical goods, and payment terms for U.S. agricultural exports. In FY2010 omnibus appropriations legislation (P.L. 111-117) enacted in December, Congress eased payments terms for U.S. agricultural exports to Cuba during FY2010 by defining the term 'payment of cash in advance,' and provided continued funding for Cuba democracy programs and Radio and TV Martí broadcasting. In May, the Senate approved S.Res. 149, a human rights resolution related to freedom of the press."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2010-01-13
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Fact Sheet on Leaders and Elections [December 2, 2009]
"This fact sheet tracks the current heads of government in Central and South America, Mexico,
and the Caribbean. It provides the dates of the last and next elections for the head of government and the national independence date for each country."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Gomez, Julissa
2009-12-02
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Venezuela: Issues in the 111th Congress [November 17, 2009]
"The United States traditionally has had close relations with Venezuela, the fourth major supplier of foreign oil to the United States, but there has been friction with the Chávez government. U.S. officials have expressed concerns about human rights, Venezuela's military arms purchases, its relations with Cuba and Iran, and its efforts to export its brand of populism to other Latin American countries. Declining cooperation on anti-drug and anti-terrorism efforts has also been a concern. In September 2008, bilateral relations worsened when President Chávez expelled the U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela, and the United States responded in kind. Under the Obama Administration, Venezuela and the United States reached an agreement for the return of respective ambassadors in July 2009. While some observers are hopeful that the return of ambassadors will mark an improvement in relations, others emphasize continued U.S. concerns about the Venezuelan government's treatment of the news media and political opposition and about interference in the affairs of other countries in the region."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2009-11-17
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Cuba: Issues for the 111th Congress [September 4, 2009]
This report describes the main issues and developments in U.S. policy toward Cuba. "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 temporarily in July 2006 because of health reasons, and Raúl assumed provisional control of the government until February 2008, when he officially became President. After Raúl Castro officially assumed the presidency, his government announced a series of economic changes that included lifting restrictions on the sale of some electronic consumer products and cell phones. A major reform effort has focused on the agriculture sector in an effort to boost food production. While additional economic changes are likely, there has been disappointment that further reforms have not been forthcoming. The economy was hard hit by storms in 2008 that resulted in $10 billion in damages, and the current global financial crisis is causing further strains. Few observers expect the government to ease its tight control over the political system, which is backed up by a strong security apparatus."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2009-09-04
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Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances [Updated August 10, 2009]
Several [...] legislative initiatives have been introduced in the 111th Congress that would ease Cuba travel restrictions: H.R. 188, H.R. 1530, and H.R. 2272 would lift the overall embargo on Cuba, including travel restrictions. H.R. 1531/ S. 1089, which would facilitate the export of U.S. agricultural products to Cuba, would also prohibit Cuba travel restrictions. H.R. 874 /S. 428 and H.R. 1528 would prohibit restrictions on travel to Cuba. H.R. 332 would ease restrictions on educational travel. S. 774, H.R. 1918, and S. 1517 would allow for travel related to hydrocarbon exploration and extraction activities. In contrast, H.Con.Res. 132 would call for the fulfillment of certain democratic conditions before the United States increases trade and tourism to Cuba.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2009-08-10
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Honduran-U.S. Relations [August 4, 2009]
"On June 28, 2009, the Honduran military detained President Manuel Zelaya and flew him to exile in Costa Rica, ending 27 years of uninterrupted elected civilian democratic rule. The move was backed by the Honduran Supreme Court and National Congress, which selected Roberto Micheletti, the head of Congress, to fulfill the rest of Zelaya's term. Zelaya's removal was brought on by the ousted president's insistence in pushing ahead with a referendum that was ruled illegal and eventually could have led to changes to the Honduran constitution. The United States and international community have universally condemned the events in Honduras and called for a restoration of Zelaya and the rule of law. Those involved in the ouster and some sectors of Honduran society have rejected the international response, and maintain that Zelaya's removal was an internal matter that was necessary to protect the country's constitution. The political instability brought about by the removal of President Zelaya has created yet another challenge for Honduras, one of the hemisphere's poorest countries. In addition to significant challenges in the areas of crime, human rights, and improving overall economic and living conditions, the country faces a poverty rate of nearly 70%, high infant mortality, and a significant HIV/AIDS epidemic. 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."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Meyer, Peter J.
2009-08-04
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Venezuela: Political Conditions and U.S. Policy [July 28, 2009]
"Under the populist rule of President Hugo Chávez, first elected in 1998 and reelected to a six-year term in December 2006, Venezuela has undergone enormous political changes, with a new constitution and unicameral legislature, and 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 expression under President Chávez, who has survived several attempts to remove him from power. The government benefitted from the rise in world oil prices, which sparked an economic boom and allowed Chávez to increase expenditures on social programs associated with his populist agenda. After he was reelected, Chávez announced new measures to move the country toward socialism, but his May 2007 closure of a popular Venezuelan television station (RCTV) that was critical of the government sparked protests, and his proposed constitutional amendment package was defeated by a close margin in a December 2007 national referendum. State and local elections held in November 2008 were a mixed picture of support for the government, with the opposition winning several key contests. In February 2009, Venezuelans approved a controversial constitutional referendum that abolished term limits and allows Chávez to run for re-election in 2012 and beyond. In 2009, the government has increased efforts to suppress the political opposition, including elected officials, and is continuing to threaten media critical of the government."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2009-07-28
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Panama: Political and Economic Conditions and U.S. Relations [Updated July 15, 2009]
"With five successive elected civilian governments, the Central American nation of Panama has made notable political and economic progress since the 1989 U.S. military intervention that ousted the regime of General Manuel Noriega from power. The current President, Ricardo Martinelli of the centrist Democratic Change (CD) party was elected in May 2009, defeating the ruling Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD) in a landslide. Martinelli was inaugurated to a fiveyear term on July 1, 2009. His Alliance for Change coalition also captured a majority of seats in Panama's National Assembly that will increase the chances that the new President will be able to secure enough votes to enact his legislative agenda."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2009-07-15
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Latin America: Terrorism Issues [July 14, 2009]
"Since the September 2001 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, U.S. attention to terrorism in Latin America has intensified, with an increase in bilateral and regional cooperation. In its April 2009 Country Reports on Terrorism, the State Department maintained that terrorism in the region was primarily perpetrated by terrorist organizations in Colombia and by the remnants of radical leftist Andean groups. Overall, however, the report maintained that the threat of a transnational terrorist attack remained low for most countries in the hemisphere. Cuba has remained on the State Department's list of state sponsors of terrorism since 1982 pursuant to Section 6(j) of the Export Administration Act, which triggers a number of economic sanctions. Both Cuba and Venezuela are on the State Department's annual list of countries determined to be not cooperating fully with U.S. antiterrorism efforts pursuant to Section 40A of the Arms Export Control Act. U.S. officials have expressed concerns over the past several years about Venezuela's lack of cooperation on antiterrorism efforts, its relations with Iran, and President Hugo Chávez's sympathetic statements for Colombian terrorist groups. The State Department terrorism report noted, however, that President Chávez publicly changed course in June 2008 and called on the FARC [Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia] to unconditionally release all hostages, declaring that armed struggle is 'out of place' in modern Latin America."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2009-07-14
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Fact Sheet on Leaders and Elections [July 10, 2009]
"This fact sheet tracks the current heads of government in Central and South America, Mexico,
and the Caribbean. It provides the dates of the last and next elections for the head of government and the national independence date for each country."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Gomez, Julissa
2009-07-10
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Honduran-U.S. Relations [June 8, 2009]
"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 60%, 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 27 years of uninterrupted elected civilian democratic rule. The economy, which grew 6.3% in 2007 and is expected to have grown 4% in 2008, has benefitted from significant debt reduction by the international financial institutions that is freeing government resources to finance poverty-reduction programs. However, the U.S. recession and global financial crisis will likely slow Honduran economic growth sharply in 2009."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Meyer, Peter J.
2009-06-08
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Mexico-U.S. Relations: Issues for Congress [May 13, 2009]
"The United States and Mexico have a close and complex bilateral relationship, with extensive economic linkages as neighbors and partners under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Bilateral relations are close, and characterized by extensive commercial and cultural ties and cooperation on a range of bilateral and international issues. A current bilateral dispute involves the implementation of NAFTA trucking provisions. In March 2009, Congress terminated a pilot-project for Mexican-registered trucks to operate beyond the border commercial zone, and Mexico responded by imposing import tariffs on over 90 U.S. agricultural and industrial products. […].President Barack Obama traveled to Mexico on April 16-17, 2009 to discuss cooperation in the fight against drug-related violence, immigration reform, and clean energy and climate change. This had been preceded by visits in March by Secretary of State Clinton, who discussed a broad range of bilateral issues, including Mérida Initiative cooperation, and Secretary of Homeland Security Napolitano, and Attorney General Eric Holder who emphasized new anti-crime efforts. On April 24, 2009, Mexico's Health Ministry announced an outbreak of a new influenza strain, subsequently dubbed influenza A(H1N1). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a travel health warning on April 27 advising U.S. citizens to avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico. The Calderón government took significant measures to combat the outbreak, which began to ease in early May 2009. The influenza outbreak will likely have a significant negative effect on the Mexican economy, which already has been experiencing a severe downturn because of the global financial crisis and U.S. recession."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.
2009-05-13
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Fact Sheet on Leaders and Elections [May 12, 2009]
"This fact sheet tracks the current heads of government in Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. It provides the dates of the last and next elections for the head of government and the national independence date for each country."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Gomez, Julissa
2009-05-12
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Mexico-U.S. Relations: Issues for Congress [Updated May 1, 2009]
"The United States and Mexico have a close and complex bilateral relationship, with extensive economic linkages as neighbors and partners under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Since 1994, trade between the countries has more than quadrupled. Bilateral relations are close, and characterized by extensive commercial and cultural ties and cooperation on a range of bilateral and international issues. A current trade dispute with the United States involves the implementation of NAFTA trucking provisions. In March 2009, Congress terminated a pilot-project for Mexican-registered trucks to operate beyond the 25-mile border commercial zone with the United States, and Mexico responded by imposing import tariffs on over 90 U.S. agricultural and industrial products. Drug trafficking issues are prominent in relations since Mexico is the leading transit country for cocaine, a leading supplier of methamphetamine and heroin, and the leading foreign supplier of marijuana. Shortly after taking office in December 2006, President Felipe Calderón launched operations against Mexican drug trafficking organizations. […]. U.S.-Mexican cooperation on drug trafficking has intensified over the past several years, and both countries announced the Mérida Initiative in October 2007 to combat drug trafficking, gangs, and organized crime in Mexico and Central America. […]. The 111th Congress is maintaining an active interest in Mexico with myriad counternarcotics, border, and trade issues dominating the agenda. To date, there have already been a dozen hearings dealing with the increased violence in Mexico as well as U.S. foreign assistance and border security efforts. Comprehensive immigration reform efforts once again could be considered in the 111th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.
2009-05-01
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Cuba: Issues for the 111th Congress [April 14, 2009]
This report describes the main issues and developments in U.S. policy toward Cuba. "As in past years, the main issue for U.S. policy toward Cuba in the 111th Congress is how best to support political and economic change in Cuba. In light of Fidel Castro's departure as head of government, many observers have called for a re-examination of policy. In this new context, two broad approaches have been advanced: a stay the course 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 changing attitudes within the Cuban government and society through increased contact and engagement. On April 13, 2009, President Barack Obama followed through with his campaign pledge to allow unlimited family travel and remittances to Cuba, and the Administration also announced measures to increase telecommunications links with Cuba and to expand the scope of eligible humanitarian donations through gift parcels."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2009-04-14
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Mexico-U.S. Relations: Issues for Congress [April 14, 2009]
"The United States and Mexico have a close and complex bilateral relationship, with extensive economic linkages as neighbors and partners under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Since 1994, trade between the countries has more than quadrupled. Bilateral relations are close, and characterized by extensive commercial and cultural ties and cooperation on a range of bilateral and international issues. A current trade dispute with the United States involves the implementation of NAFTA trucking provisions. In March 2009, Congress terminated a pilot-project for Mexican-registered trucks to operate beyond the 25-mile border commercial zone with the United States, and Mexico responded by imposing import tariffs on over 90 U.S. agricultural and industrial products. Drug trafficking issues are prominent in relations since Mexico is the leading transit country for cocaine, a leading supplier of methamphetamine and heroin, and the leading foreign supplier of marijuana. Shortly after taking office in December 2006, President Felipe Calderón launched operations against Mexican drug trafficking organizations. […]. U.S.-Mexican cooperation on drug trafficking has intensified over the past several years, and both countries announced the Mérida Initiative in October 2007 to combat drug trafficking, gangs, and organized crime in Mexico and Central America. […]. The 111th Congress is maintaining an active interest in Mexico with myriad counternarcotics, border, and trade issues dominating the agenda. To date, there have already been a dozen hearings dealing with the increased violence in Mexico as well as U.S. foreign assistance and border security efforts. Comprehensive immigration reform efforts once again could be considered in the 111th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.
2009-04-14
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U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances [Updated March 31, 2009]
This report discusses the recent developments and initiatives in the U.S. restrictions on travel and remittances with Cuba. "Several additional initiatives have been introduced in the 111th Congress that would ease restrictions on travel to Cuba. […] On March 11, 2009, President Obama signed into law the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (P.L. 111-8), which included two provisions easing restrictions on family travel to Cuba and travel related to the marketing and sale of agricultural and medical goods to Cuba." The report also discusses the current permissible travel to Cuba, current restrictions on remittances, arguments for lifting Cuba travel restrictions, and arguments for maintaining Cuba travel restrictions.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2009-03-31
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Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances [March 31, 2009]
"Restrictions on travel to Cuba have been a key and often contentious component in U.S. efforts to isolate Cuba's communist government for much of the past 40 years. Under the 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 Bush 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 Bush 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."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2009-03-31
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Fact Sheet on Leaders and Elections [March 27, 2009]
"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
2009-03-27
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Cuba: Issues for the 111th Congress [March 18, 2009]
This report tracks developments in U.S. Policy toward Cuba and legislative initiatives in the 111th Congress. This updated report includes the approval of three provisions by the 111th Congress intended to ease sanctions on family travel, travel for the marketing of agricultural and medical goods, and payment terms for U.S. agricultural exports to Cuba. Another initiative, H.R. 1103 would modify a provision of law restricting the registration or enforcement of certain Cuban trademarks. In addition to the provisions approved by the 111th Congress, an account of the March 2009 government shake-up has been included on page 7 of the report. "In early March 2009, President Raúl Castro orchestrated a government shake-up that combined four ministries into two and ousted a dozen high-ranking officials, most notably including Foreign Minister Felipe Pérez Roque, Council of Ministers Secretary Carlos Lage, and Minister of Economy and Planning José Luis Rodriguez García."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2009-03-18
