H.R. 4368: Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Authorization Act

The Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Authorization Act, introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives, aims to enhance security collaboration between the United States and several Caribbean nations. This legislation seeks to address various issues related to security, law enforcement, and disaster response in the Caribbean region. Here are the main components of the bill:

Purpose of the Initiative

The bill authorizes the Secretary of State and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to implement an initiative focused on:

• Promoting citizen safety, security, and the rule of law in the Caribbean.
• Countering transnational crime and local gang activities.
• Building law enforcement and justice sector capacities.
• Encouraging crime prevention, particularly among at-risk youth.
• Strengthening resilience against natural disasters.
• Combating corruption.
• Promoting the rule of law and countering influence from authoritarian regimes.
• Enhancing public understanding of U.S. security assistance benefits in the region.

Beneficiary Countries

The initiative focuses on a list of beneficiary countries which includes:

• 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

Funding Authorization

The bill proposes to allocate $88 million annually from fiscal years 2025 to 2029 to support the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. This funding will be used for various programs established under the initiative.

Implementation Plan

Within 180 days of the bill's enactment, the Secretary of State must submit an implementation plan outlining objectives, timelines, and strategies for the initiative. The plan will also include:

• A multi-year strategy with measurable benchmarks.
• A description of roles for federal departments involved.
• A plan for coordination among agencies to avoid overlap of activities.

Programs for Natural Disaster Resilience

The bill emphasizes the need for programs that improve coordination between the U.S. and Caribbean nations for natural disaster response. It aims to:

• Enhance rapid-response mechanisms.
• Encourage sharing of best practices for disaster resilience.
• Improve organizational preparedness for natural disasters.

Reporting Requirements

The Secretary of State, in coordination with USAID, is required to provide annual updates to Congress regarding the effectiveness of the initiative, its progress towards meeting established benchmarks, and the funding utilized for these purposes.

Relevant Companies

None found.