Advanced search Help
Searching for terms: EXACT: "Taft-Morales, Maureen" in: author
Clear all search criteria
Only 2/3! You are seeing results from the Public Collection, not the complete Full Collection. Sign in to search everything (see eligibility).
-
Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy and Issues in the 116th Congress [Updated January 7, 2021]
From the Summary: "The United States maintains strong linkages with neighboring Latin America and the Caribbean based on geographic proximity and diverse U.S. interests, including economic, political, and security concerns. The United States is a major trading partner and source of foreign investment for many countries in the region, with free-trade agreements enhancing economic linkages with 11 countries. The region is a large source of U.S. immigration, both legal and illegal; proximity and economic and security conditions are major factors driving migration. Curbing the flow of illicit drugs has been a key component of U.S. relations with the region for more than four decades and currently involves close security cooperation with Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. U.S. support for democracy and human rights in the region has been long-standing, with current focus on Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Overall, although the region has made significant advances over the past four decades in terms of both political and economic development, notable challenges remain and some countries have experienced major setbacks, most prominently Venezuela. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had widespread economic, social, and political effects in the region. By the end of 2020, the region reported over 507,000 deaths (almost 28% of deaths worldwide)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; Meyer, Peter J. . . .
2021-01-07
-
Latin America and the Caribbean: Impact of COVID-19 [Updated December 17, 2020]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having widespread economic, social, and political effects on Latin America and the Caribbean, a region with strong congressional interest because of deep U.S. linkages. As of December 15, 2020, the region had over 14.1million confirmed cases(19.4% of cases worldwide) and almost 473,000 deaths(29.2% of deaths worldwide). Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and Peru have the highest numbers of deaths in the region, and Brazil has the highest death toll worldwide after the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; Meyer, Peter J. . . .
2020-12-17
-
Latin America and the Caribbean: Impact of COVID-19 [Updated October 7, 2020]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having widespread economic, social, and political effects on Latin America and the Caribbean, a region with strong congressional interest because of deep U.S. linkages."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; Meyer, Peter J. . . .
2020-10-07
-
Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy and Issues in the 116th Congress [Updated September 3, 2020]
From the Summary: "The United States maintains strong linkages with neighboring Latin America and the Caribbean based on geographic proximity and diverse U.S. interests, including economic, political, and security concerns. The United States is a major trading partner and source of foreign investment for many countries in the region, with free-trade agreements enhancing economic linkages with 11 countries. The region is a large source of U.S. immigration, both legal and illegal; proximity and economic and security conditions are major factors driving migration. Curbing the flow of illicit drugs has been a key component of U.S. relations with the region for more than four decades and currently involves close security cooperation with Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. U.S. support for democracy and human rights in the region has been long-standing, with current focus on Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Overall, although the region has made significant advances over the past four decades in terms of both political and economic development, notable challenges remain and some countries have experienced major setbacks, most prominently Venezuela. [...] Under the Trump Administration, U.S. relations with Latin America and the Caribbean have generally moved toward a more confrontational approach from one of engagement and partnership during past Administrations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; Meyer, Peter J. . . .
2020-09-03
-
Latin America and the Caribbean: Impact of COVID-19 [Updated September 3, 2020]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having widespread economic, social, and political effects on Latin America and the Caribbean, a region with strong congressional interest because of deep U.S. linkages. As of September 2, 2020, the region had almost 6.1 million confirmed cases(almost 28% of cases worldwide) and almost 280,000 deaths(almost 33% of deaths worldwide), with the virus continuing to spread at high levels in several countries. Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, and Chile have the highest numbers of deaths in the region, and Brazil has the highest death toll worldwide after the United States.The rankings change in terms of per capita deaths--Peru has the highest recorded deaths per capita in the region, followed by Chile, Brazil, Mexico, and Panama."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Taft-Morales, Maureen; Seelke, Clare Ribando; Meyer, Peter J. . . .
2020-09-03
-
Latin America and the Caribbean: Impact of COVID-19 [Updated August 14, 2020]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having widespread economic, social, and political effects on Latin America and the Caribbean, a region with strong congressional interest because of deep U.S. linkages."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Taft-Morales, Maureen; Seelke, Clare Ribando; Meyer, Peter J. . . .
2020-08-14
-
Latin America and the Caribbean: Impact of COVID-19 [Updated July 10, 2020]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having widespread economic, social, and political effects on Latin America and the Caribbean, a region with strong congressional interest because of deep U.S. linkages. As of July 10, 2020, the region had almost 3.2 million confirmed cases and over 138,000 deaths, with deaths surging in several countries. Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Chile, and Ecuador have the highest numbers of deaths in the region, and Brazil has the highest number worldwide after the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; Meyer, Peter J. . . .
2020-07-10
-
Latin America and the Caribbean: Impact of COVID-19 [June 19, 2020]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having widespread economic, social, and political effects on Latin America and the Caribbean, a region with strong congressional interest because of deep U.S. linkages. As of June 18, 2020, the region has 1.8 million confirmed cases and over 86,000 deaths, with some countries experiencing a surge in deaths. Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, and Chile have the highest numbers of deaths in the region, and Brazil now has the highest number of deaths worldwide after the United States. The rankings change in terms of per capita deaths--Ecuador has the highest number of recorded deaths per capita, followed by Peru, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; Meyer, Peter J. . . .
2020-06-19
-
Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy and Issues in the 116th Congress [Updated May 21, 2020]
From the Document: "The United States maintains strong linkages with neighboring Latin America and the Caribbean based on geographic proximity and diverse U.S. interests, including economic, political, and security concerns. The United States is a major trading partner and source of foreign investment for many countries in the region, with free-trade agreements enhancing economic linkages with 11 countries. The region is a large source of U.S. immigration, both legal and illegal; proximity and economic and security conditions are major factors driving migration. Curbing the flow of illicit drugs has been a key component of U.S. relations with the region for more than four decades and currently involves close security cooperation with Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. U.S. support for democracy and human rights in the region has been long-standing, with current focus on Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Overall, the region has made significant advances over the past four decades in terms of both political and economic development, but notable challenges remain and some countries have experienced major setbacks, most prominently Venezuela. Most significantly in 2020, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having widespread economic, social, and political effects in the region and is currently surging in infections and deaths in some countries."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; DeBruyne, Nese F. . . .
2020-05-21
-
Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy and Issues in the 116th Congress [Updated March 10, 2020]
From the Document: "The United States maintains strong linkages with neighboring Latin America and the Caribbean based on geographic proximity and diverse U.S. interests, including economic, political, and security concerns. The United States is a major trading partner and source of foreign investment for many countries in the region, with free-trade agreements enhancing economic linkages with 11 countries. The region is a large source of U.S. immigration, both legal and illegal; proximity and economic and security conditions are major factors driving migration. Curbing the flow of illicit drugs has been a key component of U.S. relations with the region for more than four decades and currently involves close security cooperation with Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. U.S. support for democracy and human rights in the region has been long-standing, with particular current focus on Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; DeBruyne, Nese F. . . .
2020-03-10
-
Haiti's Political and Economic Conditions [Updated March 5, 2020]
From the Summary: "Since the fall of the Duvalier dictatorship in 1986, Haiti has struggled to overcome its centuries-long legacy of authoritarianism, disrespect for human rights, underdevelopment, and extreme poverty. Widespread corruption remains an impediment to changing that legacy. Haiti made significant progress in improving governance prior to the 2010 earthquake, but recovery since then has been slow. Democratic institutions remain weak and stability fragile. Poverty remains massive and deep, and economic disparity is wide. Due to its proximity to the United States and its chronically unstable political environment and fragile economy, Haiti has been an ongoing policy issue for the United States. Many in the U.S. Congress view Haiti's increasing instability with concern and have shown a commitment to improving conditions in the country through continued support for U.S. foreign aid."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Taft-Morales, Maureen
2020-03-05
-
Guatemala: Corruption, Uncertainty Mar August 2019 Elections [Updated July 5, 2019]
From the Document: "Guatemala held national elections for president, the entire 158-seat congress, 340 mayors, and other local posts on June 16, 2019. The list of candidates on the ballot was finalized one week before voting. Candidates were still being ruled ineligible--some due to corruption allegations--and appealing rulings in early June. Elements of the government allowed some candidates to run and impeded the registrations of others. Such uncertainty likely will lead many to question the outcome."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Taft-Morales, Maureen
2019-07-05
-
Haiti's Political and Economic Conditions [Updated July 1, 2019]
From the Document: "Since the fall of the Duvalier dictatorship in 1986, Haiti has struggled to overcome its centuries-long legacy of authoritarianism, disrespect for human rights, extreme poverty, and underdevelopment. Widespread corruption remains an impediment to changing that legacy. Despite significant progress in improving governance, democratic institutions remain weak and stability fragile. Poverty remains massive and deep, and economic disparity wide. In proximity to the United States, and with a chronically unstable political environment and fragile economy, Haiti has been an ongoing policy issue for the United States. Many in the U.S. Congress view Haiti's stability with concern and have shown a commitment to improving conditions in the country through continued support for U.S. foreign aid. Haiti has experienced growing instability during the administration of President Jovenel Moïse. Unrest, high rates of inflation, and resurgent gang violence have characterized Moïse's term. The judiciary is conducting ongoing investigations into Moïse's possible involvement in money laundering, irregular loan arrangements, and embezzlement, which the president denies. Haitian Senate and Superior Court of Auditors investigations allege embezzlement and fraud by current and former Haitian officials managing $2 billion in loans from Venezuela's PetroCaribe discounted oil program."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Taft-Morales, Maureen
2019-07-01
-
Central American Migration: Root Causes and U.S. Policy [Updated June 13, 2019]
From the Document: "According to estimates from the digital publication 'Lawfare', approximately 265,000 people, on average, have left the Northern Triangle region of Central America (composed of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras) in each of the past five years, with the majority bound for the United States. More than twice as many people may leave the region this year, however, as an estimated 508,000 Salvadorans, Guatemalans, and Hondurans left their homes and headed north during the first eight months of FY2019. Although total U.S. apprehensions of unauthorized migrants had been near historic lows in recent years, the arrival at the Southwest border of a growing number of Central American families and children, many of whom are seeking asylum, reportedly has strained the U.S. immigration system. Congress has sought to understand and address the root causes of these migration trends."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.; Taft-Morales, Maureen
2019-06-13
-
Guatemala: Corruption, Uncertainty Mar June 2019 Elections [June 11, 2019]
From the Document: "Guatemala is scheduled to hold national elections for president, the entire 158-seat Congress, 340 mayors, and other local posts on June 16, 2019. The list of candidates on the ballot was finalized one week before voting. Candidates were still being ruled ineligible--some due to corruption allegations--and appealing rulings in early June. Elements of the government allowed some candidates to run and impeded the registrations of others. Such uncertainty will likely lead many to question the outcome."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Taft-Morales, Maureen
2019-06-11
-
Combating Corruption in Latin America: Congressional Considerations [May 21, 2019]
From the Overview: "This report examines how anti-corruption strategies in U.S. policy and legislation initially evolved from a desire to level the playing field for corporations working in the developing world. At first, U.S. corporations were regulated so they could not bribe or extort to win contracts, and then the focus expanded to helping build more effective institutions and the rule of law in developing countries to ensure more fair, predictable,and transparent systems. The report examines how corruption contributes to wasting public monies, distorting electoral outcomes, and reinforcing criminal structures. Although the fight against corruption is a global effort, this report focuses more closely on U.S. interests in fighting corruption in the region,and how U.S. policy and assistance programs have developed to address that goal. Contemporary anti-corruption efforts in Brazil, Mexico, and Central America are examined as case studies. The report closes with considerations for Congress in conducting its oversight role over U.S. funded anti-corruption efforts in the region and pursuing the policy objective of broadening the rule of law and encouraging good government."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Beittel, June S.; Meyer, Peter J.; Seelke, Clare Ribando . . .
2019-05-21
-
Central American Migration: Root Causes and U.S. Policy [March 27, 2019]
From the Document: "An estimated 250,000-300,000 people have left the Northern Triangle region of Central America (composed of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras) in each of the past five years, with the majority bound for the United States. According to the digital publication 'Lawfare', trends through the first five months of FY2019 suggest that the number of people leaving the region could double this year. Although total U.S. apprehensions of unauthorized migrants have been near historic lows in recent years, the arrival at the Southwest border of a growing number of Central American families and children, many of whom are seeking asylum, reportedly has strained the U.S. immigration system. Congress has sought to understand and address the root causes of these migration trends."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.; Taft-Morales, Maureen
2019-03-27
-
Guatemala: Political and Socioeconomic Conditions and U.S. Relations [Updated March 20, 2019]
From the Document: "Traditionally, the United States and Guatemala have had close relations, with friction at times over human rights and civil/military issues. Guatemala and the United States have significant trade and are part of the U.S.- Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). Top priorities for U.S. bilateral assistance to Guatemala include improving security, governance, and justice for citizens; improving economic growth and food security; providing access to health services; promoting better educational outcomes; and providing opportunities for out-of-school youth to reduce their desire to migrate. The U.S. Strategy for Guatemala: Political and Socioeconomic Conditions and U.S. Relations Congressional Research Service Engagement in Central America is meant to spur development and reduce illegal emigration to the United States. The Trump Administration has proposed substantially cutting funds for Guatemala, and eliminating traditional food aid and the Inter-American Foundation in its FY2018-FY2020 budget requests. Congress rejected much of those cuts in the reports to and language in the Consolidated Appropriations Acts of 2018 (P.L. 115-141), and 2019 (P.L. 116-6). Tensions between Guatemala and much of the international community have arisen over Guatemalan efforts to oust CICIG [International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala] and to grant amnesty for human rights violations. The Trump Administration suspended military aid to Guatemala in March 2019 over its misuse of armored vehicles provided by the Department of Defense to combat drug trafficking."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Taft-Morales, Maureen
2019-03-20
-
Guatemalan President's Dispute with the U.N. Commission Against Impunity (CICIG) [Updated January 31, 2019]
"Congress has supported successive Guatemalan governments' efforts to strengthen democratic institutions; address crime, drugs, and rule of law; and root out corruption and impunity. The current situation in Guatemala involves a January 2019 decision by President Jimmy Morales to terminate unilaterally the mandate of the U.N.-sponsored International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG), which has been investigating crime and corruption since 2007. Morales accused CICIG of violating Guatemala's sovereignty, a claim U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres rejected."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Taft-Morales, Maureen
2019-01-31
-
Recent Migration to the United States from Central America: Frequently Asked Questions [Updated January 29, 2019]
From the Document: "Over the last decade, migration to the United States from Central America--in particular from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras (known collectively as the Northern Triangle)--has increased considerably. Families migrating from this region, many seeking asylum, have made up an increasing share of the migrants seeking admission to the United States at the U.S.-Mexico border. In the past year, news reports of migrant 'caravans' from the Northern Triangle traveling toward the United States have sparked intense interest and questions from Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wilson, Jill, 1974-; Bruno, Andorra; Elsea, Jennifer K. . . .
2019-01-29
-
Latin America and the Caribbean: Issues in the 115th Congress [Updated January 22, 2019]
"Geographic proximity has ensured strong linkages between the United States and Latin America and the Caribbean, based on diverse U.S. interests, including economic, political, and security concerns. The United States is a major trading partner and the largest source of foreign investment for many countries in the region, with free-trade agreements enhancing economic linkages with 11 countries. The region is a large source of U.S. immigration, both legal and illegal; proximity and economic and security conditions are major factors driving migration. Curbing the flow of illicit drugs has been a key component of U.S. relations with the region for more than three decades and currently involves close security cooperation with Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. U.S. support for democracy and human rights in the region has been long-standing, with particular current focus on Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; DeBruyne, Nese F. . . .
2019-01-22
-
Latin America and the Caribbean: Issues in the 115th Congress [October 4, 2018]
"Geographic proximity has ensured strong linkages between the United States and Latin America and the Caribbean, based on diverse U.S. interests, including economic, political, and security concerns. The United States is a major trading partner and the largest source of foreign investment for many countries in the region, with free-trade agreements enhancing economic linkages with 11 countries. The region is a large source of U.S. immigration, both legal and illegal; proximity and economic and security conditions are major factors driving migration. Curbing the flow of illicit drugs has been a key component of U.S. relations with the region for more than three decades and currently involves close security cooperation with Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. U.S. support for democracy and human rights in the region has been long-standing, with particular current focus on Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; DeBruyne, Nese F. . . .
2018-10-04
-
Guatemala: Political and Socioeconomic Conditions and U.S. Relations [March 27, 2018]
"Guatemala, the most populous Central American country, with a population of 16.3 million, has been consolidating its transition to democracy since the 1980s. Guatemala has a long history of internal conflict, including a 36-year civil war (1960-1996) during which the Guatemalan military held power and over 200,000 people were killed or disappeared. A democratic constitution was adopted in 1985, and a democratically elected government was inaugurated in 1986. President Jimmy Morales, a political newcomer, took office in January 2016, having campaigned on an anti-corruption platform. The previous president and vice president had resigned and been arrested after being implicated in a large-scale corruption scandal. Morales is being investigated for corruption and has survived two efforts to remove his immunity from prosecution."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Taft-Morales, Maureen
2018-03-27
-
Latin America and the Caribbean: Issues in the 115th Congress [March 12, 2018]
"Geographic proximity has ensured strong linkages between the United States and Latin America and the Caribbean, based on diverse U.S. interests, including economic, political, and security concerns. The United States is a major trading partner and the largest source of foreign investment for many countries in the region, with free-trade agreements enhancing economic linkages with 11 countries. The region is a large source of U.S. immigration, both legal and illegal; geographic proximity and economic and security conditions are major factors driving migration trends. Curbing the flow of illicit drugs has been a key component of U.S. relations with the region for more than three decades and currently involves close security cooperation with Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. U.S. support for democracy and human rights in the region has been long-standing and currently focuses on Cuba and Venezuela."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; DeBruyne, Nese F. . . .
2018-03-12
-
Haiti's Political and Economic Conditions: In Brief [December 1, 2017]
"Haiti returned to constitutional order in February 2017, with the inauguration of President Jovenel Moïse, after almost a year without an elected president because of political gridlock and delayed elections. Hopes for a more functional and transparent government are tempered by the political newcomer's lack of experience and ongoing investigations into Moïse's possible involvement in money laundering and irregular loan arrangements, which the president denies. [...] Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Its poverty is massive and deep, exacerbated by chronic political instability and frequent natural disasters. Almost 60% of the country's 10 million people live in poverty, and almost a quarter of them live in extreme poverty. Haiti is still recovering from the devastating earthquake in 2010, as well as Hurricane Matthew, which hit the island in 2016. [...] Haiti was a key foreign assistance priority for the Obama Administration in Latin America and the Caribbean. According to the State Department, the main priorities for current U.S. policy regarding Haiti are to strengthen fragile democratic institutions and foster sustainable development."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Taft-Morales, Maureen
2017-12-01
-
Nicaragua: In Brief [September 14, 2016]
"This report discusses Nicaragua's current politics, economic development and relations with the United States and provides context for Nicaragua's controversial November 6, 2016, elections. After its civil war ended, Nicaragua began to establish a democratic government in the early 1990s. Its institutions remained weak, however, and they have become increasingly politicized since the late 1990s. Current President Daniel Ortega was a Sandinista (Frente Sandinista de Liberacion Nacional, FSLN) leader when the Sandinistas overthrew the dictatorship of Anastasio Somoza in 1979. Ortega was elected president in 1984. An electorate weary of war between the government and U.S.-backed contras denied him reelection in 1990. After three failed attempts, he won reelection in 2006, and again in 2011. He is expected to win a third term in November 2016 presidential elections. As in local, municipal, and national elections in recent years, the legitimacy of this election process is in question, especially after Ortega declared that no domestic or international observers would be allowed to monitor the elections and an opposition coalition was effectively barred from running in the 2016 elections. [...] Currently, Nicaragua is part of the U.S. Strategy for Engagement in Central America. Tensions rose recently when Nicaragua expelled three U.S. officials. Other U.S. concerns include violations of human rights, including restriction on citizens' rights to vote, government harassment of civil society groups, arbitrary arrests and killings by security forces and corruption. The Administration and some Members of Congress have expressed concern about Nicaragua's relationship with Russia, especially recent military purchases."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Taft-Morales, Maureen
2016-09-14
-
Unaccompanied Children from Central America: Foreign Policy Considerations [April 11, 2016]
"Since FY2011, the number of unaccompanied alien children (UAC) traveling to the United States from the 'northern triangle' nations of Central America--El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras--has increased sharply. U.S. authorities encountered more than 52,000 unaccompanied minors from the region at the U.S. border in FY2014, a more than 1,200% increase compared to FY2011. This unexpected surge of children strained U.S. government resources and created a complex crisis with humanitarian implications. U.S. apprehensions of unaccompanied minors from the northern triangle declined by 45% in FY2015. They increased in the first five months of FY2016, however, and experts warn that significant migration flows will continue until policymakers in the countries of origin and the international community address the poor socioeconomic and security conditions driving Central Americans to leave their homes. The 2014 migration crisis led to renewed focus on Central America, a region with which the United States historically has shared close political, economic, and cultural ties. The United States engages with Central American countries through a variety of mechanisms, including a security assistance package known as the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) and the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). Over the past two years, the Obama Administration has sought closer cooperation with Central American governments to dissuade children from making the journey to the United States, target smuggling networks, and repatriate unauthorized migrants."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.; Margesson, Rhoda; Seelke, Clare Ribando . . .
2016-04-11
-
Peru: Politics, Economy, and Elections in Brief [April 6, 2016]
"This report provides an overview of Peru's political, economic, and security conditions and of U.S.-Peruvian relations. As President Ollanta Humala is nearing the end of his five-year term, Peru is preparing to hold national elections for the presidency and the 130-seat unicameral legislature on April 10, 2016. In several recent elections, Peruvians have elected a presidential candidate who surged from far behind in the polls in the final weeks of the campaign--as was the case with President Humala in 2011. The disqualification of two popular candidates, Julio Guzmán and Cesar Acuña, in March 2016 changed the landscape of the race and raised questions regarding the electoral institutions' neutrality and competency. […] Peru and the United States have a strong and cooperative relationship. Several issues in U.S.-Peruvian relations are likely to be considered in decisions by Congress and the Administration on future aid to and cooperation with Peru. The United States supports the strengthening of Peru's democratic institutions, counternarcotics efforts, security and respect for human rights, and environmental protection. A dominant theme in bilateral relations is the effort to stem the flow of illegal drugs, mostly cocaine, between the two countries. In the economic realm, the United States supports bilateral trade relations and Peru's further integration into the world economy. A bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) between the United States and Peru entered into force on February 1, 2009. In addition, both countries are parties to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, a proposed FTA with ten other countries."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Taft-Morales, Maureen
2016-04-06
-
Guatemala: One President Resigns; Another Elected, to be Inaugurated January 14 [January 11, 2016]
"In what many observers see as a remarkable step forward for its democratic development, Guatemala's judicial system
investigated government corruption, leading to the resignation and arrest of its president and vice-president. Guatemala
then proceeded lawfully and peacefully to form an interim government and hold elections, and is about to transfer
power to a newly elected president."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Taft-Morales, Maureen
2016-01-11
-
Haiti Under President Martelly: Current Conditions and Congressional Concerns [December 23, 2015]
"Haiti shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic. Since the fall of the Duvalier dictatorship in 1986, Haiti has struggled to overcome its centuries-long legacy of authoritarianism, extreme poverty, and underdevelopment. Economic and social stability improved considerably, and many analysts believed Haiti was turning a corner toward sustainable development when it was set back by a massive earthquake in January 2010 that devastated much of the capital of Port-au-Prince. Although it is recovering, poverty remains massive and deep, and economic disparity is wide: Haiti remains the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Throughout President Michel Martelly's five-year term, Haiti has found itself in a prolonged political crisis due to the government's failure to hold a series of elections that were long overdue. The government failed to hold elections by the end of 2012, leaving the Senate without one-third of its members. Thousands of Haitians took to the streets to protest the lack of elections. When the terms for another third of the Senate as well as the entire 99-seat Chamber of Deputies expired on January 12, the legislature was immediately dissolved, and Martelly began ruling by decree. A new Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) organized legislative elections in August, which were marred by violence, and runoff legislative, presidential, and local elections in October 2015. Some presidential candidates have led protests alleging fraud but have failed to file legal complaints. Runoff presidential elections scheduled for December 27 have been postponed while an independent commission makes recommendations. No new date has been set."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Taft-Morales, Maureen
2015-12-23
