H.R. 4031: Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Authorization Act

This bill, called the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Authorization Act, aims to enhance security partnerships between the United States and various Caribbean countries, improve public safety, and promote resilience to natural disasters. Here are the key elements of the bill:

1. Purpose of the Initiative

The initiative seeks to:

• Promote citizen safety and the rule of law by engaging local governments and civil society in beneficiary countries.
• Counter transnational crime and local gangs through improved maritime and aerial security, border security cooperation, and capacity building for law enforcement.
• Enhance the capacity of justice systems to combat corruption, money laundering, human trafficking, and other serious crimes.
• Support law enforcement, military units, and judicial reforms to strengthen the rule of law and respect for human rights.
• Improve economic opportunities for vulnerable populations, particularly at-risk youth, and promote crime prevention strategies.
• Increase the resilience of security sectors to respond to and recover from natural disasters.
• Build anti-corruption capabilities and promote transparency in governance.
• Counter malign influences from authoritarian regimes and foster U.S. security assistance to Caribbean nations.

2. Beneficiary Countries

The bill designates several Caribbean nations as beneficiary countries, including:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• The Bahamas
• Barbados
• Dominica
• The Dominican Republic
• Grenada
• Guyana
• Jamaica
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Suriname
• Trinidad and Tobago

3. Funding and Oversight

The bill authorizes the appropriation of $88 million each year from 2025 through 2029 for implementing the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. It also mandates the Secretary of State and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to create an implementation plan that outlines timelines, objectives, and metrics for success.

4. Programs and Strategies

Programs under the initiative will focus on:

• Coordination on disaster response and resilience among beneficiary countries.
• Sharing best practices on disaster preparedness and recovery.
• Improving rapid-response mechanisms for natural disasters.

5. Annual Reporting

There will be annual progress reports submitted to Congress detailing achievements and compliance with objectives outlined in the initiative. This ensures transparency and accountability in how funds are used and if the desired outcomes are being met.

Relevant Companies

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