This bill authorizes the Secretary of State and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development to implement the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) across thirteen beneficiary countries. The initiative's core purposes are to enhance citizen safety, security, and the rule of law, while also actively countering transnational criminal organizations and local gangs through strategic engagement and capacity building. The CBSI will strengthen maritime and aerial security , improve border and port security, and advance law enforcement and justice sector capabilities, including combating corruption, money laundering, and various forms of trafficking. It also emphasizes crime prevention for at-risk youth, bolsters the security sector's natural disaster response, and aims to counter malign influence from authoritarian regimes by promoting transparency and effectively communicating the benefits of U.S. assistance. The bill authorizes an annual appropriation of $88,000,000 for fiscal years 2025 through 2029 to fund the CBSI. It mandates an implementation plan within 180 days, outlining a multi-year strategy, measurable benchmarks, and interagency coordination. Additionally, it requires annual progress updates and specific programs and a strategy to enhance natural disaster response and resilience in the region.
This bill authorizes the Secretary of State and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development to implement the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) across thirteen beneficiary countries. The initiative's core purposes are to enhance citizen safety, security, and the rule of law, while also actively countering transnational criminal organizations and local gangs through strategic engagement and capacity building. The CBSI will strengthen maritime and aerial security , improve border and port security, and advance law enforcement and justice sector capabilities, including combating corruption, money laundering, and various forms of trafficking. It also emphasizes crime prevention for at-risk youth, bolsters the security sector's natural disaster response, and aims to counter malign influence from authoritarian regimes by promoting transparency and effectively communicating the benefits of U.S. assistance. The bill authorizes an annual appropriation of $88,000,000 for fiscal years 2025 through 2029 to fund the CBSI. It mandates an implementation plan within 180 days, outlining a multi-year strategy, measurable benchmarks, and interagency coordination. Additionally, it requires annual progress updates and specific programs and a strategy to enhance natural disaster response and resilience in the region.