H.R. 5980: Mexico Cross-Border Crime Accountability Act

The bill titled the Mexico Cross-Border Crime Accountability Act aims to establish a clear strategy for U.S. security assistance directed towards Mexico. Here is a breakdown of what the bill proposes:

1. Requirement for a Strategy

The U.S. Secretary of State is mandated to submit a report within 180 days after the bill becomes law. This report must outline a comprehensive strategy focused on security assistance to Mexico.

2. Components of the Strategy

The strategy must include several essential elements:

• Dismantling Criminal Networks: It should detail plans to take down transnational criminal networks that are involved in drug trafficking, especially fentanyl, human trafficking, weapons trafficking, cybercrimes, money laundering, and the sourcing of chemicals to produce illicit drugs.
• Enhancing Security Institutions: The strategy needs to aim at bolstering Mexico’s military and public security forces to improve security along its borders and reduce the influence of criminal organizations.
• Strengthening Rule of Law: It should enhance the capabilities of civilian law enforcement, prosecutors, and judicial systems to combat public corruption, improve the rule of law, and address issues related to the influence of criminal organizations.

3. Implementation Overview

The report must also provide a detailed summary of the projects and activities planned to fulfill the strategy’s goals, including the identification of responsible government bodies and non-governmental organizations involved.

4. Assessment of Progress

A clear outline of priorities, objectives, milestones, and performance metrics must be included, which will help assess progress towards the targets set in the strategy.

5. Evaluation of Past Assistance

The strategy will assess previous U.S. aid to Mexico under the Mérida Initiative to inform the new approach, providing insights based on the established priorities and performance measures.

6. Monitoring and Fraud Risks

The report is required to incorporate a plan for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the strategy. It must also include a fraud risk assessment for the U.S. Department of State’s relevant programs, addressing potential corruption risks and the efficiency of existing fraud controls.

7. Bilateral Cooperation

The Secretary of State must include an overview of cooperative efforts between the U.S. and Mexican governments, covering diplomatic relations, security assistance, technical collaborations, and other partnerships that support the established priorities.

8. Reporting Format

The report must be submitted in an unclassified format but may contain a classified section if necessary.

9. Annual Updates

Within one year of submitting the initial report, and annually for the following two years, the Secretary of State must update the Senate and House Committees on progress and provide briefings regarding the implementation of the strategy.

10. Military Force Clause

The bill specifies that it does not authorize the use of military force against Mexico or any Mexico-based entity.

Relevant Companies

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