Merida Initiative: Proposed U.S. Anticrime and Counterdrug Assistance for Mexico and Central America

Autores: Colleen W. Cook, Rebecca G. Rush, and Clare Ribando Seelke

Fecha: 18 de marzo de 2008

Resumen original: Increasing violence perpetrated by drug cartels, youth gangs, and other criminal groups is threatening citizen security and democracy in Mexico and Central America. Mexican and Central American government efforts to combat drug trafficking and organized crime have been hindered by inadequate resources, corruption, and weak judicial systems. On October 22, 2007, the United States and Mexico issued a joint statement announcing the Mérida Initiative, a multi-year plan for U.S. assistance to Mexico and Central America aimed at helping those governments combat drug trafficking and other criminal organizations. The Administration requested $500 million for Mexico and $50 million for Central America in the FY2008 supplemental appropriations request. To date, there is no legislative vehicle for the funding request. The Administration requested another $450 million for Mexico and $100 million for Central America in the FY2009 budget request. This report discusses the background and funding of the Mérida Initiative and will be updated as events warrant. 

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