U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean: FY2021 Appropriations

Changes from January 7, 2021 to January 11, 2021

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U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and
January January 711, 2021 , 2021
the Caribbean: FY2021 Appropriations
Peter J. Meyer
The United States provides foreign assistance to Latin American and Caribbean countries to The United States provides foreign assistance to Latin American and Caribbean countries to
Specialist in Latin Specialist in Latin
support development and other U.S. objectives. U.S. policymakers have emphasized different support development and other U.S. objectives. U.S. policymakers have emphasized different
American and Canadian American and Canadian
strategic interests in the region at different times, from combating Soviet influence during the strategic interests in the region at different times, from combating Soviet influence during the
Affairs Affairs
Cold War to promoting democracy and open markets, as well as countering illicit narcotics, since Cold War to promoting democracy and open markets, as well as countering illicit narcotics, since

the 1990s. The Trump Administration sought to reduce foreign aid significantly and refocus U.S. the 1990s. The Trump Administration sought to reduce foreign aid significantly and refocus U.S.
Rachel L. Martin
assistance efforts in some parts of the region to address U.S. domestic concerns, such as irregular assistance efforts in some parts of the region to address U.S. domestic concerns, such as irregular
Research Assistant Research Assistant
migration. For the most part, however, Congress did not adopt the Administration’s proposals. migration. For the most part, however, Congress did not adopt the Administration’s proposals.

FY2021 Budget Request

For FY2021, For FY2021, the Trump Administration requested $1.4 billion for Latin America and the the Trump Administration requested $1.4 billion for Latin America and the
Caribbean through foreign assistance accounts managed by the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Caribbean through foreign assistance accounts managed by the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International
Development (USAID). That amount would have been $314 million, or 18%, less than the estimated $1.7 billion of U.S. Development (USAID). That amount would have been $314 million, or 18%, less than the estimated $1.7 billion of U.S.
assistance allocated to the region in FY2020. The proposal would have cut funding for every type of assistance and for most assistance allocated to the region in FY2020. The proposal would have cut funding for every type of assistance and for most
Latin American and Caribbean countries. For a fourth consecutive year, the Trump Administration also proposed eliminating Latin American and Caribbean countries. For a fourth consecutive year, the Trump Administration also proposed eliminating
the Inter-American Foundation—a small, independent U.S. foreign assistance agency that promotes grassroots development the Inter-American Foundation—a small, independent U.S. foreign assistance agency that promotes grassroots development
in the region—and consolidating its programs into USAID. in the region—and consolidating its programs into USAID.
Legislative Developments
SimilarSimilar to prior years, Congress did not conclude action on appropriations for FY2021 until several months into the fiscal to prior years, Congress did not conclude action on appropriations for FY2021 until several months into the fiscal
year. Although the House passed a foreign aid appropriations measure (Division A of H.R. 7608; H.Rept. 116-444)year. Although the House passed a foreign aid appropriations measure (Division A of H.R. 7608; H.Rept. 116-444) in July in July
2020 and the Senate Appropriations Committee released a draft bill in November 2020, neither was enacted. Instead, 2020 and the Senate Appropriations Committee released a draft bill in November 2020, neither was enacted. Instead,
Congress passed a series of continuing resolutions that funded foreign aid programs in the region at the FY2020 level from Congress passed a series of continuing resolutions that funded foreign aid programs in the region at the FY2020 level from
October 1, 2020, until December 27, 2020,October 1, 2020, until December 27, 2020, when President Trump signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 when President Trump signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021
(P.L. 116-260).(P.L. 116-260). The act and the accompanying explanatory statement do not specify appropriations levels for every Latin The act and the accompanying explanatory statement do not specify appropriations levels for every Latin
American and Caribbean country, but the amounts they designate for several U.S. initiatives differ significantly from the American and Caribbean country, but the amounts they designate for several U.S. initiatives differ significantly from the
Administration’s request. Among other appropriations, the act provides Administration’s request. Among other appropriations, the act provides
 $505.9  $505.9 million to address the underlying factors driving irregular migration from Central America ($129 million to address the underlying factors driving irregular migration from Central America ($129
million more than the Administration requested but $27 million less than allocated to the region in million more than the Administration requested but $27 million less than allocated to the region in
FY2020); FY2020);
 $461.4  $461.4 million to support the peace process and security and development efforts in Colombia ($48.5 million to support the peace process and security and development efforts in Colombia ($48.5
million more than requested and nearly $10 million more than allocated to the country in FY2020); million more than requested and nearly $10 million more than allocated to the country in FY2020);
 $158.9  $158.9 million to support security and rule-of-law efforts in Mexico ($95 millionmillion to support security and rule-of-law efforts in Mexico ($95 million more than requested and more than requested and
$1 million more than allocated to the country in FY2020); $1 million more than allocated to the country in FY2020);
 $33 million to support a democratic transition in Venezuela ($172 million less than requested and $2  $33 million to support a democratic transition in Venezuela ($172 million less than requested and $2
million less than allocated to the country in FY2020); and million less than allocated to the country in FY2020); and
 $38 million for the Inter-American Foundation ($34 million  $38 million for the Inter-American Foundation ($34 million more than requested and $500,000 more than more than requested and $500,000 more than
Congress appropriated for the agency in FY2020). Congress appropriated for the agency in FY2020).
Congress considered a variety of policy issues during the FY2021 appropriations process, including how to respond to the Congress considered a variety of policy issues during the FY2021 appropriations process, including how to respond to the
effects of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)effects of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on Latin America and the Caribbean and whether to provide pandemic on Latin America and the Caribbean and whether to provide
additional assistance to the region beyond the $141 million allocated as of August 2020. In response to the Trump additional assistance to the region beyond the $141 million allocated as of August 2020. In response to the Trump
Administration’s decision to suspend and reprogram U.S. assistance to Central America, Congress reexamined some of the Administration’s decision to suspend and reprogram U.S. assistance to Central America, Congress reexamined some of the
authorities it has granted to the executive branch. Congress also tracked the new U.S. International Development Finance authorities it has granted to the executive branch. Congress also tracked the new U.S. International Development Finance
Corporation’s operations in Latin America and the Caribbean and assessed how they complement foreign assistance in Corporation’s operations in Latin America and the Caribbean and assessed how they complement foreign assistance in
promoting development and other U.S. foreign policy objectives in the region. Many of these policy issues may remain promoting development and other U.S. foreign policy objectives in the region. Many of these policy issues may remain
subjects of debate, legislation, and oversight in the 117th Congress. subjects of debate, legislation, and oversight in the 117th Congress.
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~~Contacts~~
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Appropriations
Introduction
Foreign assistance is one of the tools the United States employs to advance U.S. interests in Latin Foreign assistance is one of the tools the United States employs to advance U.S. interests in Latin
America and the Caribbean. The focus and funding levels of aid programs change along with America and the Caribbean. The focus and funding levels of aid programs change along with
broader U.S. policy goals.1 Current aid programs reflect the diverse needs of the countries in the broader U.S. policy goals.1 Current aid programs reflect the diverse needs of the countries in the
region, as region, as ~~wel~~ well as the broad range of these countries’ ties to the United States (seas the broad range of these countries’ ties to the United States (see Figure 1 for a for a
map of Latin America and the Caribbean). Some countries receive U.S. assistance across many map of Latin America and the Caribbean). Some countries receive U.S. assistance across many
sectors as they struggle with political, socioeconomic, and security sectors as they struggle with political, socioeconomic, and security ~~chal enges~~challenges. Others have made . Others have made
major strides in consolidating democratic governance and improving living conditions; these major strides in consolidating democratic governance and improving living conditions; these
countries no longer receive traditional U.S. development assistance but countries no longer receive traditional U.S. development assistance but ~~typical y~~typically receive some receive some
U.S. support to address shared security U.S. support to address shared security ~~chal enges~~challenges, such as transnational crime. , such as transnational crime.
Congress authorizes and appropriates funds for foreign assistance to the region and conducts Congress authorizes and appropriates funds for foreign assistance to the region and conducts
oversight of aid programs and the executive branch agencies that administer them. The Trump oversight of aid programs and the executive branch agencies that administer them. The Trump
AdministrationAdministration proposed significant reductions to the foreign assistance budget to decrease proposed significant reductions to the foreign assistance budget to decrease
government expenditures and shift resources to other Administration priorities. The government expenditures and shift resources to other Administration priorities. The
Administration also sought to modify some U.S. foreign assistance objectives, including those in Administration also sought to modify some U.S. foreign assistance objectives, including those in
Latin America and the Caribbean. For the most part, however, Congress did not adopt the Latin America and the Caribbean. For the most part, however, Congress did not adopt the
Administration’s proposed changes. Administration’s proposed changes.
This report provides an overview of U.S. assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean. It This report provides an overview of U.S. assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean. It
examines historical and recent trends in aid to the region; the Trump Administration’s FY2021 examines historical and recent trends in aid to the region; the Trump Administration’s FY2021
budget request for aid administered by the State Department, the U.S. Agency for International budget request for aid administered by the State Department, the U.S. Agency for International
Development (USAID), and the Inter-American Foundation (IAF); and FY2021 foreign aid Development (USAID), and the Inter-American Foundation (IAF); and FY2021 foreign aid
appropriations legislation. It also analyzes several issues that Congress considered when appropriations legislation. It also analyzes several issues that Congress considered when
deliberating on FY2021 appropriations, including how to respond to the Coronavirus Disease deliberating on FY2021 appropriations, including how to respond to the Coronavirus Disease
2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, whether to exert greater congressional control over U.S. assistance 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, whether to exert greater congressional control over U.S. assistance
to Central America, and how the new U.S. International Development Finance Corporation might to Central America, and how the new U.S. International Development Finance Corporation might
complement U.S. assistance efforts in Latin America and the Caribbean. complement U.S. assistance efforts in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Report Notes
To more To more accurately compare the Trump Administration’saccurately compare the Trump Administration’s FY2021 foreign assistance request with previous years’ FY2021 foreign assistance request with previous years’
appropriations, most aid figures in this report refer only to bilateral assistance that is managed by the State appropriations, most aid figures in this report refer only to bilateral assistance that is managed by the State
Department or the U.S. Agency for International DevelopmentDepartment or the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and is requested for individual countries (USAID) and is requested for individual countries
or regional programs.or regional programs. ~~Approximately~~ Approximately 63% of the aid obligated by 63% of the aid obligated by al all U.S. agencies in Latin AmericaU.S. agencies in Latin America and the and the
Caribbean in FY2019 was provided through the foreign assistance accounts examined in this report. Caribbean in FY2019 was provided through the foreign assistance accounts examined in this report.
SeveralSeveral other sourcesother sources of U.S. assistance to the region exist. Someof U.S. assistance to the region exist. Some countries in Latin Americacountries in Latin America and the Caribbean and the Caribbean
receivereceive U.S. assistance to address humanitarian needs through USAID- and State Department-managed foreign U.S. assistance to address humanitarian needs through USAID- and State Department-managed foreign
assistance accounts, such as Food for Peace Act Title II, International Disasterassistance accounts, such as Food for Peace Act Title II, International Disaster Assistance,Assistance, and Migration and and Migration and
Refugee Assistance.Refugee Assistance. Likewise,Likewise, ~~some~~ some countries receivecountries receive assistance from other U.S.assistance from other U.S. agencies, such as the agencies, such as the
Department of Defense,Department of Defense, Mil enniumMil ennium ~~Chal enge~~ Challenge Corporation, Corporation, and Peace Corps.and Peace Corps. Moreover,Moreover, multilateral multilateral
organizations that the United States supports organizations that the United States supports ~~financial y~~financially, such as the Organization of American, such as the Organization of American States, the Inter-States, the Inter-
~~American Development~~ American Development Bank, and the Pan AmericanBank, and the Pan American Health Organization, provide additional aid to the region. Health Organization, provide additional aid to the region.
Except where indicated, those accounts, agencies, and organizations are excluded from this analysis, because they Except where indicated, those accounts, agencies, and organizations are excluded from this analysis, because they
do not request assistance for individual countries and because country-level funding figures are not publicly do not request assistance for individual countries and because country-level funding figures are not publicly
available until after the fiscal year has passed. available until after the fiscal year has passed.
Source: USAID, USAID, Foreign Aid Explorer: The Official Record of U.S. Foreign Aid, at https://explorer.usaid.gov/at https://explorer.usaid.gov/
~~data.html.~~

data.html. 1 For more information on U.S. policy in the region, see1 For more information on U.S. policy in the region, see ~~CRS~~ CRS Report R46258, Report R46258, Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S.
Policy and Issues in the 116th Congress, coordinated by Mark P. Sullivan. , coordinated by Mark P. Sullivan.
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U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean: FY2021 Appropriations

Figure 1. Map of Latin America and the Caribbean

Source: Map Resources,Map Resources, edited by the Congressional Research Serviceedited by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). (CRS).
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U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean: FY2021 Appropriations

Trends in U.S. Assistance to Latin America and
the Caribbean
The United States has long been a major contributor of foreign assistance to countries in Latin The United States has long been a major contributor of foreign assistance to countries in Latin
America and the Caribbean. Between 1946 and 2019, the United States provided nearly $94 America and the Caribbean. Between 1946 and 2019, the United States provided nearly $94
~~bil ion ($195 bil ion~~ billion ($195 billion in constant 2017 dollars) of assistance to the region.2 U.S. assistance to the in constant 2017 dollars) of assistance to the region.2 U.S. assistance to the
region spiked in the early 1960s, following the introduction of President John F. Kennedy’s region spiked in the early 1960s, following the introduction of President John F. Kennedy’s
~~Al iance~~ Alliance for Progress, an anti-poverty initiative that sought to counter Soviet and Cuban influence for Progress, an anti-poverty initiative that sought to counter Soviet and Cuban influence
in the aftermath of Fidel Castro’s 1959 seizure of power in Cuba. After a period of decline, U.S. in the aftermath of Fidel Castro’s 1959 seizure of power in Cuba. After a period of decline, U.S.
assistance to the region increased again following the 1979 assumption of power by the leftist assistance to the region increased again following the 1979 assumption of power by the leftist
Sandinistas in Nicaragua. Throughout the 1980s, the United States provided considerable support Sandinistas in Nicaragua. Throughout the 1980s, the United States provided considerable support
to Central American governments battling leftist insurgencies to prevent potential Soviet to Central American governments battling leftist insurgencies to prevent potential Soviet ~~al ies~~allies
from establishing politicalfrom establishing political or military footholds in the region. U.S. aid flows declined in the mid-or military footholds in the region. U.S. aid flows declined in the mid-
1990s, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the end of the Central American civil 1990s, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the end of the Central American civil
conflicts (conflicts (seesee Figure 2). ).
Figure 2. U.S. Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean: FY1946-FY2019

Source: CRS presentation of data from U.S. Agency for International DevelopmentCRS presentation of data from U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID),(USAID), Foreign Aid
Explorer: The Official Record of U.S. Foreign Aid, at https://explorer.usaid.gov/data.html. at https://explorer.usaid.gov/data.html.
Notes: Includes aid obligations from Includes aid obligations from al all U.S. government agencies.U.S. government agencies. Data for FY2020 are not yet available. Data for FY2020 are not yet available.
U.S. foreign assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean began to increase again in the late U.S. foreign assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean began to increase again in the late
1990s and remained on a 1990s and remained on a ~~general y~~generally upward trajectory through 2010. The higher levels of upward trajectory through 2010. The higher levels of

~~2 T hese figures include aid~~ 2 These figures include aid obligations from all U.S. government agencies to the 33 independent Latin American and obligations from all U.S. government agencies to the 33 independent Latin American and
CaribbeanCaribbean countries (identified countries (identified inin Figure 1) and regional programs. U.S.and regional programs. U.S. Agency for International Development Agency for International Development
(USAID), (USAID), Foreign Aid Explorer: The Official Record of U.S. Foreign Aid , accessedaccessed December 2020December 2020, at at
https://explorer.usaid.gov/data.html. https://explorer.usaid.gov/data.html.
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assistance were assistance were ~~partial y~~partially the result of increased spending on humanitarian and development the result of increased spending on humanitarian and development
assistance. In the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch in 1998, the United States provided extensive assistance. In the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch in 1998, the United States provided extensive
humanitarian and reconstruction assistance to several countries in Central America. The humanitarian and reconstruction assistance to several countries in Central America. The
establishment of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief in 2003 and the establishment of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief in 2003 and the ~~Mil ennium~~
~~Chal enge~~Millennium Challenge Corporation in 2004 also provided many countries in the region with new sources of Corporation in 2004 also provided many countries in the region with new sources of
U.S. assistance.3 In addition, the United States provided significant assistance to Haiti in the U.S. assistance.3 In addition, the United States provided significant assistance to Haiti in the
aftermath of a massive earthquake in 2010. aftermath of a massive earthquake in 2010.
Increased funding for counter-narcotics and security programs also contributed to the rise in U.S. Increased funding for counter-narcotics and security programs also contributed to the rise in U.S.
assistance. Beginning with President assistance. Beginning with President ~~Bil~~ Bill Clinton and the 106th Congress in FY2000, successive Clinton and the 106th Congress in FY2000, successive
Administrations and Congresses provided significant amounts of foreign aid to Colombia and its Administrations and Congresses provided significant amounts of foreign aid to Colombia and its
Andean neighbors to combat drug trafficking and end Colombia’s long-running internal armed Andean neighbors to combat drug trafficking and end Colombia’s long-running internal armed
conflict. Spending received another boost in FY2008, when President George W. Bush joined conflict. Spending received another boost in FY2008, when President George W. Bush joined
with his Mexican counterpart to announce the Mérida Initiative, a package of U.S. counter-drug with his Mexican counterpart to announce the Mérida Initiative, a package of U.S. counter-drug
and anti-crime assistance for Mexico and Central America. In FY2010, Congress and the Obama and anti-crime assistance for Mexico and Central America. In FY2010, Congress and the Obama
Administration split the Central American portion of the Mérida InitiativeAdministration split the Central American portion of the Mérida Initiative into a separate Central into a separate Central
America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) and created a similar program for the countries of America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) and created a similar program for the countries of
the Caribbean known as the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI). the Caribbean known as the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI).
U.S. assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean began to decline again in FY2011. Although U.S. assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean began to decline again in FY2011. Although
the decline was the decline was ~~partial y~~partially due to reductions in the due to reductions in the ~~overal~~ overall U.S. foreign assistance budget in the U.S. foreign assistance budget in the
aftermath of a U.S. recession, it also reflected changes in the region. Due to stronger economic aftermath of a U.S. recession, it also reflected changes in the region. Due to stronger economic
growth and more effective social policies, the percentage of people livinggrowth and more effective social policies, the percentage of people living in poverty in Latin in poverty in Latin
America America ~~fel~~ fell from 45% in 2002 to an estimated 30% in 2019.4 Some countries, such as Argentina, from 45% in 2002 to an estimated 30% in 2019.4 Some countries, such as Argentina,
Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay, were able to provide assistance to others in the Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay, were able to provide assistance to others in the
region. Other countries, such as Bolivia and Ecuador, region. Other countries, such as Bolivia and Ecuador, ~~expel ed~~expelled U.S. personnel and opposed U.S. U.S. personnel and opposed U.S.
assistance projects, leading to the closure of USAID field missions.5 Collectively, these changes assistance projects, leading to the closure of USAID field missions.5 Collectively, these changes
resulted in the U.S. government concentrating foreign assistance resources for Latin America and resulted in the U.S. government concentrating foreign assistance resources for Latin America and
the Caribbean in fewer countries and sectors. the Caribbean in fewer countries and sectors.
Trump Administration’s FY2021 Foreign
Assistance Budget Request6
The Trump Administration requested $1.4 The Trump Administration requested $1.4 ~~bil ion~~billion for Latin America and the Caribbean through for Latin America and the Caribbean through
foreign assistance accounts managed by the State Department and USAID in FY2021. That foreign assistance accounts managed by the State Department and USAID in FY2021. That
amount would have been $314 amount would have been $314 ~~mil ion,~~ million, or 18%, less than the estimated $1.7 or 18%, less than the estimated $1.7 ~~bil ion~~billion of assistance of assistance
~~al ocated~~allocated for the region in FY2020 ( for the region in FY2020 (seesee Table 1). The Administration also proposed eliminating . The Administration also proposed eliminating
the IAF—a the IAF—a ~~smal~~ small, independent U.S. foreign assistance agency that promotes grassroots , independent U.S. foreign assistance agency that promotes grassroots
development indevelopment in Latin America and the Caribbean—and consolidating its programs into USAID. Latin America and the Caribbean—and consolidating its programs into USAID.

3 For more information on the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief3 For more information on the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the Millennium Challengeand the Millennium Challenge Corporation, Corporation,
see CRSsee CRS In FocusIn Focus IF10797, IF10797, PEPFAR Stewardship and Oversight Act: Expiring Authorities, by , by ~~T iaji~~Tiaji Salaam-Blyther; Salaam-Blyther;
and CRSand CRS Report RL32427, Report RL32427, Millennium Challenge Corporation: Overview and Issues, by Nick M. Brown. , by Nick M. Brown.
4 U.N. Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean,4 U.N. Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, Social Challenge in Times of COVID-19, May 12, , May 12,
2020, p. 2. 2020, p. 2.
5 USAID 5 USAID is reestablishingis reestablishing a fielda field mission in Ecuador, butmission in Ecuador, but the process has been delayedthe process has been delayed by the Coronavirus Disease by the Coronavirus Disease
2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
6 Unless otherwise noted, data and information in this section are drawn from U.S. Department of State, 6 Unless otherwise noted, data and information in this section are drawn from U.S. Department of State, Congressional
Budget Justification for Foreign Operations, Appendix 2, Fiscal Year 2021 , February 20, 2020, at , February 20, 2020, at
https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/FY21-CBJ-Appendix-2-FINAL-2.pdf. https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/FY21-CBJ-Appendix-2-FINAL-2.pdf.
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The Administration’s proposed reductions for foreign assistance to the region were slightly lower The Administration’s proposed reductions for foreign assistance to the region were slightly lower
than the nearly 26% cut proposed for foreign operations than the nearly 26% cut proposed for foreign operations ~~global y~~globally.7 Although comprehensive .7 Although comprehensive
~~al ocations~~allocations are not yet available, are not yet available, it appears as though Congress opted not adopt most of the it appears as though Congress opted not adopt most of the
Administration’s proposed cuts (seeAdministration’s proposed cuts (see “Legislative Developments,” ” below). below).
Foreign Assistance Categories and Accounts8
The Administration’s proposed FY2021 foreign aid budget for Latin America and the Caribbean The Administration’s proposed FY2021 foreign aid budget for Latin America and the Caribbean
requested $760.9 requested $760.9 ~~mil ion~~million (54% of the total) through a new Economic Support and Development (54% of the total) through a new Economic Support and Development
Fund (ESDF). As proposed, the ESDF foreign assistance account would have consolidated aid Fund (ESDF). As proposed, the ESDF foreign assistance account would have consolidated aid
that currently is provided through the Development Assistance (DA) and Economic Support Fund that currently is provided through the Development Assistance (DA) and Economic Support Fund
(ESF) accounts to support democracy, the rule of law, economic reform, education, agriculture, (ESF) accounts to support democracy, the rule of law, economic reform, education, agriculture,
and natural resource management.9 Whereas administrations often have used the DA account for and natural resource management.9 Whereas administrations often have used the DA account for
long-term projects to foster broad-based economic progress and social stability in developing long-term projects to foster broad-based economic progress and social stability in developing
countries, the ESDF account, like the ESF account, would have focused more on countries and countries, the ESDF account, like the ESF account, would have focused more on countries and
programs deemed critical to short-term U.S. security and strategic objectives. The FY2021 programs deemed critical to short-term U.S. security and strategic objectives. The FY2021
request included $74.5 request included $74.5 ~~mil ion~~million (9%) less funding for the ESDF account than was (9%) less funding for the ESDF account than was ~~al ocated~~allocated to the to the
region through the DA and ESF accounts combined in FY2020. region through the DA and ESF accounts combined in FY2020.
Another $132.8 Another $132.8 ~~mil ion~~ million (9%) of the Administration’s FY2021 request for the region would have (9%) of the Administration’s FY2021 request for the region would have
been provided through two Global Health Programs (GHP) accounts. This amount included $96.8 been provided through two Global Health Programs (GHP) accounts. This amount included $96.8
~~mil ion~~ million requested through the State Department GHP account for HIV/AIDS programs and $36 requested through the State Department GHP account for HIV/AIDS programs and $36
~~mil ion~~ million requested through the USAID GHPrequested through the USAID GHP account to combat malaria and support maternal and account to combat malaria and support maternal and
child health, nutrition, and family planningchild health, nutrition, and family planning programs. Under the FY2021 request for the region, programs. Under the FY2021 request for the region,
funding for the State Department GHP account would have declined by $60.9 funding for the State Department GHP account would have declined by $60.9 ~~mil ion~~ million (39%) and (39%) and
funding for the USAID GHP account would have declined by $17.3 funding for the USAID GHP account would have declined by $17.3 ~~mil ion~~million (32%) compared with (32%) compared with
the FY2020 estimate. the FY2020 estimate.
The remaining $508.5 The remaining $508.5 ~~mil ion~~million (36%) of the Administration’s FY2021 request for Latin America (36%) of the Administration’s FY2021 request for Latin America
and the Caribbean would have supported security assistance programs, including the followingand the Caribbean would have supported security assistance programs, including the following:
 $452.9  $452.9 ~~mil ion~~million requested through the International Narcotics Control and Law requested through the International Narcotics Control and Law
Enforcement (INCLE) account for counter-narcotics, civilian law enforcement Enforcement (INCLE) account for counter-narcotics, civilian law enforcement
efforts, and projects intended to strengthen judicial institutions. INCLE funding efforts, and projects intended to strengthen judicial institutions. INCLE funding
for the region would have declined by $102.3 for the region would have declined by $102.3 ~~mil ion~~million (18%) compared with the (18%) compared with the
FY2020 estimate. FY2020 estimate.
 $24  $24 ~~mil ion~~ million requested through the Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining, requested through the Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining,
and Related Programs (NADR) account to help countries in the region carry out and Related Programs (NADR) account to help countries in the region carry out
humanitarian demining programs, strengthen conventional weapons stockpile humanitarian demining programs, strengthen conventional weapons stockpile
management, develop strategic trade controls and border security measures, and management, develop strategic trade controls and border security measures, and

7 For more information on the global foreign aid7 For more information on the global foreign aid budget,budget, see CRSsee CRS Report R46367, Report R46367, Department of State, Foreign
Operations, and Related ~~Program s~~Programs: FY2021 Budget and Appropriations, by Cory R. Gill,, by Cory R. Gill, Marian L. Lawson,Marian L. Lawson, and and
Emily M. Morgenstern. Emily M. Morgenstern.
8 For more information on the various foreign assistance accounts and the programs they fund, see 8 For more information on the various foreign assistance accounts and the programs they fund, see ~~CRS~~ CRS Report Report
R40482, R40482, ~~Departm ent~~Department of State, Foreign Operations Appropriations: A Guide to ~~Com ponent~~Component Accounts, by Nick M. , by Nick M.
Brown and Cory R. Gill. Brown and Cory R. Gill.
9 The~~9 T he~~ Economic Support and Development Fund (ESDF) Economic Support and Development Fund (ESDF) account also wouldaccount also would consolidate aid currently provided consolidate aid currently provided
through the Democracy Fund and Assistance for Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asiathrough the Democracy Fund and Assistance for Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia accounts, which are not major accounts, which are not major
sourcessources of fundingof funding for the region. for the region. ~~T he~~The Administration requested funding through the proposed ESDF Administration requested funding through the proposed ESDF ~~accoun t~~ account in in
FY2018, FY2019, and FY2020, but Congress didFY2018, FY2019, and FY2020, but Congress did not support the consolidation of existing foreign assistance accounts.not support the consolidation of existing foreign assistance accounts.
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enhance their counterterrorism capacities. NADR funding would have declined enhance their counterterrorism capacities. NADR funding would have declined
by $3.3 by $3.3 ~~mil ion~~ million (12%) compared with the FY2020 estimate. (12%) compared with the FY2020 estimate.
 $11.6  $11.6 ~~mil ion~~ million requested through the International Military Education and requested through the International Military Education and
Training (IMET) account to train Latin American and Caribbean military Training (IMET) account to train Latin American and Caribbean military
personnel. IMET funding would have decreased by $2.8 personnel. IMET funding would have decreased by $2.8 ~~mil ion~~million (19%) compared (19%) compared
with the FY2020 estimate. with the FY2020 estimate.
 $20  $20 ~~mil ion~~ million requested through the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) account to requested through the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) account to
provide U.S. military equipment and services to Colombia. FMF funding for the provide U.S. military equipment and services to Colombia. FMF funding for the
region would have declined by $52.7 region would have declined by $52.7 ~~mil ion~~ million (72%) compared with the FY2020 (72%) compared with the FY2020
estimate. estimate.
Table 1. U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean by Account:
FY2016-FY2021 Request
( (~~mil ions~~millions of current U.S. of current U.S. ~~dol ars)~~
~~Account~~
~~FY2016~~
~~FY2017~~
~~FY2018~~
~~FY2019~~
~~FY2020~~
~~FY2021~~
~~% Change~~dollars) % Change FY2020 FY2021 FY20E- Account FY2016 FY2017 FY2018 FY2019
(est.)
(req.)
~~FY20E-~~
FY21R
DA DA
484.4 484.4
484.4 484.4
386.2 386.2
385.3 385.3
457.8 457.8
0.0 0.0
—a
ESF ESF
402.9 402.9
352. 352.0b
419 419..1b
402 402..3b
377 377..6b
0.0 0.0
—a
ESDF ESDF
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
760.9 760.9
-9 -9%a
GHP GHP
66.4 66.4
64.4 64.4
63.4 63.4
53.3 53.3
53.3 53.3
36.0 36.0
-32% -32%
(USAID) (USAID)
GHP GHP
123.0 123.0
117.7 117.7
136.7 136.7
170.5 170.5
157.7 157.7
96.8 96.8
-39% -39%
(State) (State)
INCLE INCLE
524.4 524.4
533.2 533.2
542.2 542.2
564.3 564.3
555.2 555.2
452.9 452.9
-18% -18%
NADR NADR
8.6 8.6
25.4 25.4
23.5 23.5
25.8 25.8
27.3 27.3
24.0 24.0
-12% -12%
IMET IMET
13.0 13.0
13.4 13.4
11.2 11.2
9.9 9.9
14.4 14.4
11.6 11.6
-19% -19%
FMF FMF
69.4 69.4
82.7 82.7
86.0 86.0
82.8 82.8
72.7 72.7
20.0 20.0
-72% -72%
Total
1,691.9
1,673..2b
1,668..4bc
1,694.1b
1,716..0bd
1,402.3
-18%
Sources: U.S. Department of StateU.S. Department of State, Congressional Budget Justifications for Foreign Operations, FY2018-FY2021, at , at
https://www.state.gov/plans-performance-budget/international-affairs-budgets/; and U.S. Department of State, https://www.state.gov/plans-performance-budget/international-affairs-budgets/; and U.S. Department of State,
FY2020 estimate data, June 15, 2020. FY2020 estimate data, June 15, 2020.
Notes: DA = Development DA = Development Assistance; ESDF = Economic Support and DevelopmentAssistance; ESDF = Economic Support and Development Fund; ESF = Economic Fund; ESF = Economic
Support Fund; FMF = Foreign Military Financing; GHP = Global Health Programs; IMET = International Military Support Fund; FMF = Foreign Military Financing; GHP = Global Health Programs; IMET = International Military
Education and Training; INCLE = International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement; NADR = Education and Training; INCLE = International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement; NADR =
Nonproliferation,Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism,Anti-terrorism, Demining,Demining, and Related Programs;and Related Programs; State = Department of State; USAID = U.S. State = Department of State; USAID = U.S.
Agency for International Development. Agency for International Development.
a. The FY2021 request would consolidate several foreign assistance accounts, including DA and ESF, into a a. The FY2021 request would consolidate several foreign assistance accounts, including DA and ESF, into a
new ESDF account. The table compares new ESDF account. The table compares the FY2021 ESDF request with the combined FY2020 DA and ESF the FY2021 ESDF request with the combined FY2020 DA and ESF
estimates. estimates.
b. Congress appropriated an additional $9 mil ion b. Congress appropriated an additional $9 mil ion of ESF for the region each year fromof ESF for the region each year from FY2017 to FY2019, and FY2017 to FY2019, and
an additional $5 mil ion an additional $5 mil ion of ESF for the region in FY2020. Those funds are not included in this table, because of ESF for the region in FY2020. Those funds are not included in this table, because
they were appropriated as multilateralthey were appropriated as multilateral assistance through the Organization of Americanassistance through the Organization of American States. States.
c. FY2018 totals represent c. FY2018 totals represent ~~al ocations~~ allocations as of the end of that fiscal year. The Trump Administration as of the end of that fiscal year. The Trump Administration
subsequently reprogrammed subsequently reprogrammed approximately $396 mil ionapproximately $396 mil ion of FY2018 aid Congress had appropriated for El of FY2018 aid Congress had appropriated for El
Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, ~~real ocating some~~ reallocating some of those funds outside the Latin Americanof those funds outside the Latin American and and
Caribbean region. Caribbean region.
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d. FY2020 totals do not include any of the funding made available for Latin America d. FY2020 totals do not include any of the funding made available for Latin America and the Caribbean through and the Caribbean through
supplemental emergency supplemental emergency appropriations to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. appropriations to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Major Country and Regional Programs
The Trump Administration’s FY2021 budget request would have reduced U.S. assistance for The Trump Administration’s FY2021 budget request would have reduced U.S. assistance for
most countries and regional programs in Latin America and the Caribbean (semost countries and regional programs in Latin America and the Caribbean (see Table 2).
Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. The FY2021 request included $32 . The FY2021 request included $32 ~~mil ion~~million for the CBSI, for the CBSI,
which would have been a $28 which would have been a $28 ~~mil ion~~ million (47%) cut compared with the FY2020 estimate. The CBSI (47%) cut compared with the FY2020 estimate. The CBSI
funds maritime and aerial security cooperation, law enforcement capacity building, border and funds maritime and aerial security cooperation, law enforcement capacity building, border and
port security, justice sector reform, and crime prevention programs in the Caribbean.10 port security, justice sector reform, and crime prevention programs in the Caribbean.10
Central America. The FY2021 request included $376.9 The FY2021 request included $376.9 ~~mil ion~~million to address the underlying to address the underlying
conditions driving irregular migration from Central America to the United States by promoting conditions driving irregular migration from Central America to the United States by promoting
good governance, economic prosperity, and improved security in the region. That would have good governance, economic prosperity, and improved security in the region. That would have
been a $156.3 been a $156.3 ~~mil ion~~million (29%) cut compared with the FY2020 estimate. The request did not include (29%) cut compared with the FY2020 estimate. The request did not include
any foreign aid any foreign aid ~~specifical y~~specifically for El Salvador, Guatemala, or Honduras (the “Northern Triangle” of for El Salvador, Guatemala, or Honduras (the “Northern Triangle” of
Central America). However, the Administration asserted that those countries could receive a Central America). However, the Administration asserted that those countries could receive a
portion of the assistance requested for CARSI and the USAID Latin America and Caribbean portion of the assistance requested for CARSI and the USAID Latin America and Caribbean
Regional Program if their governments continued to take action to stem migration to the United Regional Program if their governments continued to take action to stem migration to the United
States.11 States.11
Colombia. Colombia would have remained the single largest recipient of U.S. assistance in Latin Colombia would have remained the single largest recipient of U.S. assistance in Latin
America and the Caribbean under the Administration’s FY2021 request; however, aid would have America and the Caribbean under the Administration’s FY2021 request; however, aid would have
~~fal en~~fallen to $412.9 to $412.9 ~~mil ion~~million—a $38.8 —a $38.8 ~~mil ion~~ million (9%) reduction compared with the FY2020 estimate. (9%) reduction compared with the FY2020 estimate.
Colombia has received significant U.S. assistance to support counter-narcotics and Colombia has received significant U.S. assistance to support counter-narcotics and
counterterrorism efforts since FY2000, and the FY2021 request would have provided continued counterterrorism efforts since FY2000, and the FY2021 request would have provided continued
support for Colombia’s drug eradication and interdiction efforts. The request also would have support for Colombia’s drug eradication and interdiction efforts. The request also would have
supported the ongoing implementation of the Colombian government’s peace accord with the supported the ongoing implementation of the Colombian government’s peace accord with the
Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), including with aid intended to foster Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), including with aid intended to foster
reconciliation within Colombian society, expand state presence to regions reconciliation within Colombian society, expand state presence to regions ~~historical y~~historically under under
FARC control, and support rural economic development in marginalized communities.12 FARC control, and support rural economic development in marginalized communities.12
Haiti. Haiti, which has received high levels of aid for many years due to its significant Haiti, which has received high levels of aid for many years due to its significant
development development ~~chal enges~~challenges, would have been the third-largest recipient of U.S. assistance in the , would have been the third-largest recipient of U.S. assistance in the
region in FY2021 under the Administration’s request. U.S. assistance increased significantly after region in FY2021 under the Administration’s request. U.S. assistance increased significantly after
a massive earthquake struck Haiti in 2010 but has declined a massive earthquake struck Haiti in 2010 but has declined ~~gradual y~~gradually from those elevated levels. from those elevated levels.
The Administration’s FY2021 request would have provided $128.2 The Administration’s FY2021 request would have provided $128.2 ~~mil ion~~million to Haiti to Haiti to help to help
address health address health ~~chal enges~~challenges (particularly HIV/AIDS), support credible elections, strengthen (particularly HIV/AIDS), support credible elections, strengthen
government and police capacity, improve food security, and increase economic opportunity. This government and police capacity, improve food security, and increase economic opportunity. This
would have been a $44.4 would have been a $44.4 ~~mil ion~~ million (26%) cut compared with the FY2020 estimate.13 (26%) cut compared with the FY2020 estimate.13

10 For more information on the Caribbean Basin Security10 For more information on the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, see CRSInitiative, see CRS In FocusIn Focus IF10789, IF10789, Caribbean Basin
Security Initiative, by Mark P. Sullivan. , by Mark P. Sullivan.
11 For more information on U.S. policy toward Central America, see CRS11 For more information on U.S. policy toward Central America, see CRS In Focus IF10371, In Focus IF10371, U.S. Strategy for
~~Engagem ent~~Engagement in Central ~~Am erica~~America: An Overview,, by Peter J. Meyer. by Peter J. Meyer.
12 For more information on U.S. policy toward Colombia, see CRS 12 For more information on U.S. policy toward Colombia, see CRS Report R43813, Report R43813, Colombia: Background and U.S.
Relations, by June, by June S. Beittel. S. Beittel.
13 For more information on U.S. policy toward Haiti, see CRS 13 For more information on U.S. policy toward Haiti, see CRS Report R45034, Report R45034, Haiti’s Political and Economic
Conditions, by Maureen , by Maureen ~~T aft~~ Taft-Morales. -Morales.
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Mexico. Mexico would have received $63.8 Mexico would have received $63.8 ~~mil ion~~ million of assistance under the FY2021 request, of assistance under the FY2021 request,
which would have been a $94.2 which would have been a $94.2 ~~mil ion~~ million (60%) cut compared with the FY2020 estimate. Mexico (60%) cut compared with the FY2020 estimate. Mexico
~~traditional y~~ traditionally was not a major U.S. aid recipient due to its middle-income status, but it began was not a major U.S. aid recipient due to its middle-income status, but it began
receiving larger amounts of counternarcotics and anti-crime assistance through the Mérida receiving larger amounts of counternarcotics and anti-crime assistance through the Mérida
Initiative in FY2008. The Administration’s FY2021 request for Mexico would have funded Initiative in FY2008. The Administration’s FY2021 request for Mexico would have funded
efforts to strengthen the rule of law; secure borders and ports; and combat transnational organized efforts to strengthen the rule of law; secure borders and ports; and combat transnational organized
crime, including opium poppy cultivation and heroin and fentanyl production.14 crime, including opium poppy cultivation and heroin and fentanyl production.14
Venezuela. Venezuela is one of the few countries in the region for which the Administration Venezuela is one of the few countries in the region for which the Administration
requested increased assistance. Although the country continues to contend with interrelated requested increased assistance. Although the country continues to contend with interrelated
political, economic, and humanitarian crises, the Administration’s request assumed there would political, economic, and humanitarian crises, the Administration’s request assumed there would
be progress toward the reestablishment of democracy by FY2021. The request would have be progress toward the reestablishment of democracy by FY2021. The request would have
provided $205 provided $205 ~~mil ion~~ million to support a transitional government, improve food security, strengthen the to support a transitional government, improve food security, strengthen the
health system, stabilize the energy sector, and foster economic growth. Total aid to Venezuela health system, stabilize the energy sector, and foster economic growth. Total aid to Venezuela
would have increased by $170 would have increased by $170 ~~mil ion~~ million (486%) compared with the FY2020 estimate.15 (486%) compared with the FY2020 estimate.15
Table 2. U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean by Country or
Regional Program: FY2016-FY2021 Request
(thousands of current U.S. (thousands of current U.S. ~~dol ars)~~

~~FY2016~~
~~FY2017~~
~~FY2018~~
~~FY2019~~
~~FY2020~~
~~FY2021~~
~~% Change~~dollars) % Change FY2020 FY2021 FY20E- FY2016 FY2017 FY2018 FY2019
(est.)
(req.)
~~FY20E-~~
FY21R
Argentina Argentina
579 579
624 624
2,918 2,918
3,089 3,089
3,100 3,100
600 600
-81% -81%
Bahamas Bahamas
207 207
173 173
138 138
196 196
200 200
200 200
— —
Belize Belize
1,243 1,243
1,241 1,241
1,143 1,143
235 235
1,250 1,250
200 200
-84% -84%
Bolivia Bolivia
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
— —
Brazil Brazil
12,858 12,858
11,690 11,690
11,423 11,423
11,619 11,619
15,800 15,800
625 625
-96% -96%
Chile Chile
670 670
689 689
357 357
487 487
600 600
400 400
-33% -33%
Colombia Colombia
293,081 293,081
384,248 384,248
384,312 384,312
421,180 421,180
451,703 451,703
412,900 412,900
-9% -9%
Costa Rica Costa Rica
1,819 1,819
5,718 5,718
5,725 5,725
8,180 8,180
8,225 8,225
400 400
-95% -95%
Cuba Cuba
20,000 20,000
20,000 20,000
20,000 20,000
20,000 20,000
20,000 20,000
10,000 10,000
-50% -50%
Dominican Dominican
21,615 21,615
13,736 13,736
20,174 20,174
36,777 36,777
28,661 28,661
15,500 15,500
-46% -46%
Republic Republic
Ecuador Ecuador
2,000 2,000
1,789 1,789
1,789 1,789
12,000 12,000
19,450 19,450
17,200 17,200
-12% -12%
El Salvador El Salvador
67,900 67,900
72,759 72,759
57,65 57,656a
0b
72,700 72,700
0 0
-100% -100%
Guatemala Guatemala
127,515 127,515
125,493 125,493
108,45 108,453a
0b
79,450 79,450
0 0
-100% -100%
Guyana Guyana
243 243
277 277
239 239
176 176
200 200
200 200
— —
Haiti Haiti
185,076 185,076
164,552 164,552
181,319 181,319
193,752 193,752
172,520 172,520
128,155 128,155
-26% -26%
Honduras Honduras
98,250 98,250
95,260 95,260
79,67 79,678a
0b
65,800 65,800
0 0
-100% -100%
Jamaica Jamaica
5,065 5,065
10,597 10,597
1,335 1,335
1,598 1,598
1,600 1,600
600 600
-63% -63%

14 For more information on U.S. policy toward Mexico, see CRS14 For more information on U.S. policy toward Mexico, see CRS Report R42917, Report R42917, Mexico: Background and U.S.
Relations, by Clare Ribando, by Clare Ribando Seelke. Seelke.
15 For more information on U.S. policy toward Venezuela,15 For more information on U.S. policy toward Venezuela, see CRSsee CRS Report R44841, Report R44841, Venezuela: Background and U.S.
Relations, coordinated by Clare Ribando, coordinated by Clare Ribando Seelke. Seelke.
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% Change FY2020 FY2021 FY20E- FY2016 FY2017 FY2018 FY2019
~~FY2016~~
~~FY2017~~
~~FY2018~~
~~FY2019~~
~~FY2020~~
~~FY2021~~
~~% Change~~
(est.)
(req.)
~~FY20E-~~
FY21R
Mexico Mexico
160,156 160,156
138,566 138,566
151,263 151,263
162,410 162,410
157,910 157,910
63,750 63,750
-60% -60%
Nicaragua Nicaragua
10,000 10,000
9,679 9,679
10,000 10,000
11,610 11,610
10,000 10,000
10,000 10,000
— —
Panama Panama
3,346 3,346
3,271 3,271
3,086 3,086
1,162 1,162
3,225 3,225
1,100 1,100
-66% -66%
Paraguay Paraguay
8,620 8,620
6,150 6,150
4,297 4,297
4,397 4,397
4,400 4,400
4,400 4,400
— —
Peru Peru
74,898 74,898
64,473 64,473
74,814 74,814
75,396 75,396
77,200 77,200
68,600 68,600
-11% -11%
Suriname Suriname
215 215
269 269
167 167
195 195
200 200
200 200
— —
Trinidad and Trinidad and
325 325
343 343
341 341
326 326
350 350
300 300
-14% -14%
Tobago Tobago
Uruguay Uruguay
499 499
498 498
401 401
385 385
400 400
300 300
-25% -25%
Venezuela Venezuela
6,500 6,500
7,000 7,000
15,000 15,000
22,500 22,500
35,000 35,000
205,000 205,000
+486% +486%
Barbados and Barbados and
26,425 26,425
26,629 26,629
24,027 24,027
3,456 3,456
13,950 13,950
3,550 3,550
-75% -75%
Eastern Eastern
Caribbean Caribbean
USAID USAID
4,000 4,000
3,000 3,000
4,000 4,000
4,000 4,000
10,000 10,000
0 0
-100% -100%
Caribbean Caribbean
Development Development
USAID USAID
39,761 39,761
38,316 38,316
19,93 19,931a
181,39 181,390b
5,000 5,000
0 0
-100% -100%
Central Central
America America
Regional Regional
USAID South USAID South
12,000 12,000
14,000 14,000
18,065 18,065
18,000 18,000
15,000 15,000
15,500 15,500
+3% +3%
America America
Regional Regional
USAID Latin USAID Latin
28,360 28,360
26,700 26,700
51,600 51,600
68,300 68,300
39,978 39,978
199,650 199,650
+399% +399%
America America and and
Caribbean Caribbean
Regional Regional
State State
478,668 478,668
425,471 425,471
414,795 414,795
431,313 431,313
402,135 402,135
242,926 242,926
-40% -40%
Western Western
Hemisphere Hemisphere
Regional Regional
[CARSI]
[348,500]
[329,225]
[319,225]a
[290,000]
[270,000]
[185,000]
[-31%]
[CBSI]
[57,721]
[57,700]
[57,700]
[58,000]
[60,000]
[32,000]
[-47%]
Total
1,691,894
1,673,211
1,668,~~446~~446a
1,694,129
1,716,~~007~~007c
1,402,256
-18%
Sources: U.S. Department of StateU.S. Department of State, Congressional Budget Justifications for Foreign Operations, FY2018-FY2021, at , at
https://www.state.gov/plans-performance-budget/international-affairs-budgets/; and U.S. Department of State, https://www.state.gov/plans-performance-budget/international-affairs-budgets/; and U.S. Department of State,
FY2020 estimate data, June 15, 2020. FY2020 estimate data, June 15, 2020.
Notes: CARSI = Central America CARSI = Central America Regional Security Initiative; CBSI = Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. CARSIRegional Security Initiative; CBSI = Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. CARSI
and CBSI are funded through the State Western Hemisphereand CBSI are funded through the State Western Hemisphere Regional program. USAID and State Department Regional program. USAID and State Department
regional programsregional programs fund region-wide initiativesfund region-wide initiatives ~~as wel~~ as well as activities that crossas activities that cross borders or take place in borders or take place in
nonpresence countries. nonpresence countries.
a. FY2018 totals representa. FY2018 totals represent ~~al ocations~~ allocations as of the end of that fiscal year. The Trump Administration as of the end of that fiscal year. The Trump Administration
subsequently reprogrammed subsequently reprogrammed approximately $396 mil ionapproximately $396 mil ion of FY2018 aid Congress had appropriated for El of FY2018 aid Congress had appropriated for El
Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
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b. Due to the Trump Administration’s b. Due to the Trump Administration’s suspension of aid to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, $181.4 suspension of aid to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, $181.4
mil ion mil ion of FY2019 assistance had yet to be of FY2019 assistance had yet to be ~~al ocated~~allocated when the Administration when the Administration ~~released~~ released its FY2021 request. its FY2021 request.
c. FY2020 totals do not include any of the funding made available for Latin America c. FY2020 totals do not include any of the funding made available for Latin America and the Caribbean through and the Caribbean through
supplemental emergency supplemental emergency appropriations to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. appropriations to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Inter-American Foundation
In addition to the proposed reductions to State Department and USAID-managed assistance for In addition to the proposed reductions to State Department and USAID-managed assistance for
the region, for the fourth consecutive year, the Trump Administration’s FY2021 budget request the region, for the fourth consecutive year, the Trump Administration’s FY2021 budget request
proposed eliminating the IAF and consolidating its programs into USAID.16 The IAF is an proposed eliminating the IAF and consolidating its programs into USAID.16 The IAF is an
independent U.S. foreign assistance agency established through the Foreign Assistance Act of independent U.S. foreign assistance agency established through the Foreign Assistance Act of
1969 (22 U.S.C. §290f). Congress created the agency after conducting a comprehensive review of 1969 (22 U.S.C. §290f). Congress created the agency after conducting a comprehensive review of
previous assistance efforts and determining that programs at the government-to-government level previous assistance efforts and determining that programs at the government-to-government level
had not promoted significant social and civic change in the region despite fostering economic had not promoted significant social and civic change in the region despite fostering economic
growth.17 The IAF provides grants and other targeted assistance directly to the organized poor to growth.17 The IAF provides grants and other targeted assistance directly to the organized poor to
foster economic and social development and to encourage civic engagement in their communities. foster economic and social development and to encourage civic engagement in their communities.
The IAF is active in 24 countries in the region—including 8 countries where USAID no longer The IAF is active in 24 countries in the region—including 8 countries where USAID no longer
has field missions—and has focused particularly on migrant-sending communities in Central has field missions—and has focused particularly on migrant-sending communities in Central
America since 2014. America since 2014.
The Trump Administration asserted that merging the IAF’s The Trump Administration asserted that merging the IAF’s ~~smal~~ small grants programs into USAID grants programs into USAID
would “better integrate [those would “better integrate [those ~~smal~~ small grants] with USAID’s existing globalgrants] with USAID’s existing global development programs, development programs,
more cohesively serve U.S. foreign policy objectives, and increase organizational efficiencies more cohesively serve U.S. foreign policy objectives, and increase organizational efficiencies
through reducing duplication and overhead.”18 The FY2021 request included $3.9 through reducing duplication and overhead.”18 The FY2021 request included $3.9 ~~mil ion~~million to to
conduct an orderly closeout of the IAF (seconduct an orderly closeout of the IAF (see Table 3). Opponents of the merger noted that . Opponents of the merger noted that
Congress Congress ~~specifical y~~specifically created the IAF as an alternative to other U.S. agencies. They argued that created the IAF as an alternative to other U.S. agencies. They argued that
USAID would not be able to maintain the IAF’s distinct model and flexibility,USAID would not be able to maintain the IAF’s distinct model and flexibility, which have which have
~~al owed~~allowed the IAF to invest in innovative projects and work with groups that otherwise would be the IAF to invest in innovative projects and work with groups that otherwise would be
unable or unable or ~~unwil ing~~unwilling to partner with the U.S. government. to partner with the U.S. government.
Table 3. Inter-American Foundation (IAF) Appropriations: FY2016-FY2021 Request
( (~~mil ions~~millions of current U.S. of current U.S. ~~dol ars)~~
~~FY2016~~
~~FY2017~~
~~FY2018~~
~~FY2019~~
~~FY2020~~
~~FY2021~~
~~% Change~~dollars) FY2020 FY2021 % Change FY2016 FY2017 FY2018 FY2019
(est.)
(req.)
FY20-FY21
22.5 22.5
22.5 22.5
30.0 30.0
22.5 22.5
37.5 37.5
3.9 3.9
-90% -90%
Source: U.S. Department of StateU.S. Department of State, Congressional Budget Justifications for Foreign Operations, FY2018-FY2021, at , at
https://www.state.gov/plans-performance-budget/international-affairs-budgets/. https://www.state.gov/plans-performance-budget/international-affairs-budgets/.
Legislative Developments
Similar to prior years, Congress did not conclude action on appropriations for FY2021 until Similar to prior years, Congress did not conclude action on appropriations for FY2021 until
several months into the fiscal year. Although the House passed a foreign aid appropriations several months into the fiscal year. Although the House passed a foreign aid appropriations
measure (Division A of H.R. 7608; H.Rept. 116-444) in July 2020 and the Senate Appropriations measure (Division A of H.R. 7608; H.Rept. 116-444) in July 2020 and the Senate Appropriations

~~16 T he T rump~~ 16 The Trump Administration is not the first to propose elimination of the Inter-American Foundation. In 1999, Administration is not the first to propose elimination of the Inter-American Foundation. In 1999,
CongressCongress passed legislation (P.L. 106-113, later amended by P.L. 106-429) that authorized the President during passed legislation (P.L. 106-113, later amended by P.L. 106-429) that authorized the President during
FY2000-FY2001 to abolish the Inter-American Foundation. However, the President did not exercise FY2000-FY2001 to abolish the Inter-American Foundation. However, the President did not exercise ~~th at~~that authority. authority.
17 H.Rept. 91-611, p. 57. 17 H.Rept. 91-611, p. 57.
18 U.S.18 U.S. Department of State, Department of State, Congressional Budget Justification, Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related
~~Program s~~Programs, Fiscal Year 2021, February 10, 2020, p. 85. , February 10, 2020, p. 85.
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Committee released a draft Committee released a draft ~~bil~~ bill in November 2020, neither was enacted. Instead, Congress passed in November 2020, neither was enacted. Instead, Congress passed
a series of continuing resolutions that funded foreign aid programs in the region at the FY2020 a series of continuing resolutions that funded foreign aid programs in the region at the FY2020
level from October 1, 2020 until December 27, 2020, when President Trump signed into law the level from October 1, 2020 until December 27, 2020, when President Trump signed into law the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260). The act and the accompanying Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260). The act and the accompanying
explanatory statement do not specify appropriations levels for every Latin American and explanatory statement do not specify appropriations levels for every Latin American and
Caribbean country, but the amounts they designate for several U.S. initiatives differ significantly Caribbean country, but the amounts they designate for several U.S. initiatives differ significantly
from the Administration’s request (sefrom the Administration’s request (see Table 4)..19 19
Table 4. U.S. Foreign Assistance for Selected Countries and Initiatives:
FY2021 Appropriations Legislation
( (~~mil ions~~millions of current U.S. of current U.S. ~~dol ars~~dollars) )
Senate
Committee

FY2020 (est.)
FY2021 (req.)
H.R. 7608
Draft
P.L. 116-260
Caribbean Basin Caribbean Basin
60.0 60.0
32.0 32.0
74.8 74.8
60.0 60.0
74.8 74.8
Security Security
Initiative Initiative
Central America Central America
533.2 533.2
376.9 376.9
519.9 519.9
505.9 505.9
505.9 505.9
Colombia Colombia
451.7 451.7
412.9 412.9
457.3 457.3
455.4 455.4
461.4 461.4
Haiti Haiti
172.5 172.5
128.2 128.2
51. 51.0a
172.5 172.5
51. 51.0a
Inter-American Inter-American
37.5 37.5
3.9 3.9
41. 41.5b
37.5 37.5
38.0 38.0
Foundation Foundation
Mexico Mexico
157.9 157.9
63.8 63.8
159.9 159.9
157.9 157.9
158.9 158.9
Venezuela Venezuela
35.0 35.0
205.0 205.0
30.0 30.0
35.0 35.0
33.0 33.0
Sources: H.R. 7608; H.Rept. 116-444; the Senate Appropriations Committee’sH.R. 7608; H.Rept. 116-444; the Senate Appropriations Committee’s draft bil and explanatory draft bil and explanatory
statement, available at https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/news/committee-releases-fy21-bil s-in-effort-to-statement, available at https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/news/committee-releases-fy21-bil s-in-effort-to-
advance-process-produce-bipartisan-results; P.L. 116-260; and the explanatory statement accompanying P.L.advance-process-produce-bipartisan-results; P.L. 116-260; and the explanatory statement accompanying P.L. 116-116-
260, available at https://docs.house.gov/bil sthisweek/20201221/BILLS-116RCP68-JES-DIVISION-K.pdf. 260, available at https://docs.house.gov/bil sthisweek/20201221/BILLS-116RCP68-JES-DIVISION-K.pdf.
Notes:
a. P.L. 116-260, like H.R. 7608, designates $51 mil iona. P.L. 116-260, like H.R. 7608, designates $51 mil ion of DA for Haiti, but does not specify appropriations of DA for Haiti, but does not specify appropriations
levels levels for other foreign assistance accounts. for other foreign assistance accounts.
b. H.R. 7608 would have provided an additional $10 mil ion b. H.R. 7608 would have provided an additional $10 mil ion of emergencyof emergency funding for the IAF to respond to funding for the IAF to respond to
the COVID-19 pandemic. the COVID-19 pandemic.
Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. P.L. 116-260 provides “not less than” $74.8 . P.L. 116-260 provides “not less than” $74.8 ~~mil ion~~million for the for the
CBSI, which is nearly $43 CBSI, which is nearly $43 ~~mil ion~~ million more than the Trump Administration requested and nearly $15 more than the Trump Administration requested and nearly $15
~~mil ion~~ million more than was more than was ~~al ocated~~allocated to the initiative to the initiative in FY2020. in FY2020.
Central America. P.L. 116-260 states that $505.9 P.L. 116-260 states that $505.9 ~~mil ion~~million “should be made available” “should be made available” for Central for Central
America and that such assistance “America and that such assistance “~~shal~~ shall be prioritized for programs and activities that address the be prioritized for programs and activities that address the
key factors that contribute to the migration of unaccompanied, undocumented minors to the key factors that contribute to the migration of unaccompanied, undocumented minors to the
United States.” That amount is $129 United States.” That amount is $129 ~~mil ion~~million more than the Administration requested but $27 more than the Administration requested but $27
~~mil ion~~ million less than was less than was ~~al ocated~~allocated to the region in FY2020. As in prior years, the act requires the to the region in FY2020. As in prior years, the act requires the
State Department to withhold some assistance for the Northern Triangle countries until it can State Department to withhold some assistance for the Northern Triangle countries until it can
certify the Northern Triangle governments are addressing certain congressional concerns. The certify the Northern Triangle governments are addressing certain congressional concerns. The

~~19 T he~~ 19 The Senate Appropriations Committee’s draft bill is available at https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/ Senate Appropriations Committee’s draft bill is available at https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/
doc/SFOPSFY2021.pdf;doc/SFOPSFY2021.pdf; the draft explanatory statement is available at https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/the draft explanatory statement is available at https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/
media/doc/SFOPSRept.pdf. media/doc/SFOPSRept.pdf.
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explanatory statement accompanying the act designates country-by-country funding levels, as explanatory statement accompanying the act designates country-by-country funding levels, as
~~wel as al ocations~~well as allocations for certain priorities, including $45 for certain priorities, including $45 ~~mil ion~~ million to support Offices of Attorneys to support Offices of Attorneys
General and other entities to combat corruption and impunity and $25 General and other entities to combat corruption and impunity and $25 ~~mil ion~~ million to combat sexual to combat sexual
and gender-based violence in the region. and gender-based violence in the region.
Colombia. P.L. 116-260 provides “not less than” $461.4 P.L. 116-260 provides “not less than” $461.4 ~~mil ion~~million for Colombia, which is $48.5 for Colombia, which is $48.5
~~mil ion~~ million more than the Administration requested and nearly $10 more than the Administration requested and nearly $10 ~~mil ion~~ million more than more than ~~al ocated~~allocated to the to the
country in FY2020. As in previous years, the act requires the State Department to withhold some country in FY2020. As in previous years, the act requires the State Department to withhold some
security assistance for Colombia until it can certify the Colombian government is taking action to security assistance for Colombia until it can certify the Colombian government is taking action to
address counternarcotics and human rights concerns. The explanatory statement accompanying address counternarcotics and human rights concerns. The explanatory statement accompanying
the act specifies funding levels for certain congressional priorities, including $46 the act specifies funding levels for certain congressional priorities, including $46 ~~mil ion~~ million for rule-for rule-
of-law and human rights programs and $20 of-law and human rights programs and $20 ~~mil ion~~million for Afro-Colombian and indigenous for Afro-Colombian and indigenous
communities. communities.
Haiti. The explanatory statement accompanying P.L. 116-260 The explanatory statement accompanying P.L. 116-260 ~~al ocates $51 mil ion~~allocates $51 million of DA for of DA for
Haiti. It does not specify appropriations levels for other foreign assistance accounts, however, so Haiti. It does not specify appropriations levels for other foreign assistance accounts, however, so
the total amount of aid to be provided to Haitithe total amount of aid to be provided to Haiti remains unclear. The act maintains a certification remains unclear. The act maintains a certification
requirement from prior years that directs the State Department to withhold some assistance for requirement from prior years that directs the State Department to withhold some assistance for
~~Haiti~~ Haiti until the Haitianuntil the Haitian government takes steps to strengthen the rule of law, combat corruption, government takes steps to strengthen the rule of law, combat corruption,
and increase government revenues. and increase government revenues.
Inter-American Foundation. P.L. 116-260 provides $38 P.L. 116-260 provides $38 ~~mil ion~~million for the IAF, rejecting the for the IAF, rejecting the
Administration’s proposal to close the agency and increasing the IAF’s annual appropriation by Administration’s proposal to close the agency and increasing the IAF’s annual appropriation by
$500,000 compared with FY2020. The explanatory statement accompanying the act designates $500,000 compared with FY2020. The explanatory statement accompanying the act designates
$10 $10 ~~mil ion~~ million of the funds appropriated for Central America to be provided through the IAF and of the funds appropriated for Central America to be provided through the IAF and
notes that the act provides funding to support a pilot exchange program between indigenous IAF notes that the act provides funding to support a pilot exchange program between indigenous IAF
grantees and Native American tribes. grantees and Native American tribes.
Mexico. The explanatory statement accompanying P.L. 116-260 The explanatory statement accompanying P.L. 116-260 ~~al ocates~~allocates $159.9 $159.9 ~~mil ion~~million for for
Mexico, which is $95 Mexico, which is $95 ~~mil ion~~ million more than the Administration requested and $1 more than the Administration requested and $1 ~~mil ion~~million more than more than
was was ~~al ocated~~allocated to the country in FY2020. The explanatory statement also directs the State to the country in FY2020. The explanatory statement also directs the State
Department to withhold some FMF from Mexico until it can certify the Mexican government is Department to withhold some FMF from Mexico until it can certify the Mexican government is
cooperating on counternarcotics efforts and addressing human rights concerns. cooperating on counternarcotics efforts and addressing human rights concerns.
Venezuela. P.L. 116-260 provides “not less than” $33 P.L. 116-260 provides “not less than” $33 ~~mil ion~~million for democracy programs in for democracy programs in
Venezuela.Venezuela. That amount is $172 That amount is $172 ~~mil ion~~ million less than the Administration requested and $2 less than the Administration requested and $2 ~~mil ion~~
million less than was less than was ~~al ocated~~allocated to the country in FY2020. to the country in FY2020.
Policy Issues for Congress
The 116th Congress examined a variety of policy issues as it considered FY2021 appropriations The 116th Congress examined a variety of policy issues as it considered FY2021 appropriations
for foreign operations in Latin America and the Caribbean. These issues included how to respond for foreign operations in Latin America and the Caribbean. These issues included how to respond
to the COVID-19 pandemic, whether to exert greater congressional control over U.S. assistance to the COVID-19 pandemic, whether to exert greater congressional control over U.S. assistance
to Central America, and how the new U.S. International Development Finance Corporation may to Central America, and how the new U.S. International Development Finance Corporation may
complement U.S. assistance efforts in Latin America and the Caribbean. Many of these policy complement U.S. assistance efforts in Latin America and the Caribbean. Many of these policy
issues could be subject to further debate, legislation, and oversight in the 117th Congress. issues could be subject to further debate, legislation, and oversight in the 117th Congress.
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COVID-19 Response20
Conditions in Latin America and the Caribbean changed significantly between the Trump Conditions in Latin America and the Caribbean changed significantly between the Trump
Administration’s release of its FY2021 budget request in February 2020 and the enactment of the Administration’s release of its FY2021 budget request in February 2020 and the enactment of the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260), on December 27, 2020. The region Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260), on December 27, 2020. The region
emerged as an epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in late May and accounted for 19% of total emerged as an epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in late May and accounted for 19% of total
cases and 28% of deaths recorded worldwide by the end of the year. As of December 31, 2020, cases and 28% of deaths recorded worldwide by the end of the year. As of December 31, 2020,
the region had recorded some 15.6 the region had recorded some 15.6 ~~mil ion~~million cases and more than 507,000 deaths.21 cases and more than 507,000 deaths.21
Most analysts expect the pandemic’s economic impact to be severe. The U.N. Economic Most analysts expect the pandemic’s economic impact to be severe. The U.N. Economic
Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), for example, estimates the region’s Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), for example, estimates the region’s
average gross domestic product contracted by 7.7% in 2020—the largest decline in 120 years.22 average gross domestic product contracted by 7.7% in 2020—the largest decline in 120 years.22
Based on an earlier projection of a 9.1% contraction, ECLAC estimated the pandemic would push Based on an earlier projection of a 9.1% contraction, ECLAC estimated the pandemic would push
an additionalan additional ~~45 mil ion~~ 45 million people into poverty and an additionalpeople into poverty and an additional ~~28 mil ion~~ 28 million into extreme poverty. As into extreme poverty. As
a result, the regional poverty rate would climb from 30% to 37% and the extreme poverty rate a result, the regional poverty rate would climb from 30% to 37% and the extreme poverty rate
would climb from 11% to nearly 16%.23 would climb from 11% to nearly 16%.23
A number of Latin American and Caribbean countries have enacted substantial economic support A number of Latin American and Caribbean countries have enacted substantial economic support
measures intended to mitigate the pandemic’s impact and reactivate their economies. Others lack measures intended to mitigate the pandemic’s impact and reactivate their economies. Others lack
the resources to protect vulnerable households. Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, for the resources to protect vulnerable households. Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, for
example, are struggling with acute food insecurity crises, in part, due to the pandemic and example, are struggling with acute food insecurity crises, in part, due to the pandemic and
government containment measures, which have reduced earnings and contributed to higher food government containment measures, which have reduced earnings and contributed to higher food
prices.24 Hurricanes Eta and Iota, which struck Central America in November 2020, have prices.24 Hurricanes Eta and Iota, which struck Central America in November 2020, have
exacerbated the situation. The USAID-funded Famine Early Warning Systems Network projects exacerbated the situation. The USAID-funded Famine Early Warning Systems Network projects
al all three countries three countries ~~wil~~ will have higher than typical emergency food assistance needs into mid-2021.25 have higher than typical emergency food assistance needs into mid-2021.25
Given those humanitarian needs and the potential threats to U.S. interests posed by a prolonged Given those humanitarian needs and the potential threats to U.S. interests posed by a prolonged
pandemic and economic downturn in the region, some analysts have argued that the United States pandemic and economic downturn in the region, some analysts have argued that the United States
should scale up assistance for Latin American and Caribbean countries.26 should scale up assistance for Latin American and Caribbean countries.26
In March 2020, Congress enacted two FY2020 supplemental appropriations measures (P.L. 116- In March 2020, Congress enacted two FY2020 supplemental appropriations measures (P.L. 116-
123 and P.L. 116-136) that provided nearly $1.8 123 and P.L. 116-136) that provided nearly $1.8 ~~bil ion~~ billion in U.S. foreign assistance to prevent, in U.S. foreign assistance to prevent,
prepare for, and respond to COVID-19 prepare for, and respond to COVID-19 ~~global y~~globally. USAID and the State Department have begun . USAID and the State Department have begun
addressing needs in the Latin American and Caribbean region using those supplemental funds and addressing needs in the Latin American and Caribbean region using those supplemental funds and
prior appropriations. As of August 21, 2020 (latest information made available), the prior appropriations. As of August 21, 2020 (latest information made available), the
Administration said it was providing more than $141 Administration said it was providing more than $141 ~~mil ion~~ million in new and previously announced in new and previously announced
assistance to help countries in the region respond to the pandemic. That total includes $69.5 assistance to help countries in the region respond to the pandemic. That total includes $69.5

20 For more information, see CRS20 For more information, see CRS In FocusIn Focus IF11581, IF11581, Latin America and the Caribbean: Impact of COVID-19, by Mark , by Mark
P. SullivanP. Sullivan et al. et al.
21 Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Coronavirus Resource21 Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Coronavirus Resource Center, “Mortality Analyses,” January 1, 2021, Center, “Mortality Analyses,” January 1, 2021,
at https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/data/mortality. COVID-19-related data may be expected to evolve rapidly. at https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/data/mortality. COVID-19-related data may be expected to evolve rapidly.
22 U.N. Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), 22 U.N. Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Preliminary Overview of the
~~Econom ies~~Economies of Latin ~~Am erica~~America and the Caribbean, 2020 , December 16, 2020. , December 16, 2020.
23 United Nations, 23 United Nations, Policy Brief: The Impact of COVID-19 on Latin America and the Caribbean, July 2020. , July 2020.
24 Famine Early Warning Systems Network, “Central America and Caribbean:24 Famine Early Warning Systems Network, “Central America and Caribbean: ~~Crisis~~ Crisis (IPC Phase 3) Persists Despite (IPC Phase 3) Persists Despite
Recent Harvests and SeasonallyRecent Harvests and Seasonally High Labor Demand,” October 2020. High Labor Demand,” October 2020.
25 Famine Early Warning Systems Network, “Food Assistance Outlook Brief: Projected Food Assistance Needs25 Famine Early Warning Systems Network, “Food Assistance Outlook Brief: Projected Food Assistance Needs for for
June 2021,” December 2020. June 2021,” December 2020.
26 See,26 See, for examples, for examples, ~~T revor~~Trevor Sutton, Dan Restrepo, and Joel Martinez, Sutton, Dan Restrepo, and Joel Martinez, Getting Ahead of the Curve: Why the United
States Needs to Plan for the Coronavirus in the ~~Am ericas~~Americas, Center for American Progress, May 5, 2020; “, Center for American Progress, May 5, 2020; “ Congress Congress
ShouldShould Approve Aid for COVID-19’s NewApprove Aid for COVID-19’s New Epicenter: Latin America and the Caribbean,”Epicenter: Latin America and the Caribbean,” joint statement from 34 civil joint statement from 34 civil
society groups, Washington Office on Latin America, June 8, 2020; and Walter Kerr, “Latin America Can’t Survive the society groups, Washington Office on Latin America, June 8, 2020; and Walter Kerr, “Latin America Can’t Survive the
Coronavirus CrisisCoronavirus Crisis Alone,” Alone,” Foreign Policy, August, August 3, 2020. 3, 2020.
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~~mil ion~~ million of International Disaster Assistance, $33.8 of International Disaster Assistance, $33.8 ~~mil ion~~million of Migration and Refugee Assistance, of Migration and Refugee Assistance,
$27.6 $27.6 ~~mil ion~~ million of health assistance, and $10.5 of health assistance, and $10.5 ~~mil ion~~million of ESF (se of ESF (see Table 5). Among other . Among other
activities, U.S. assistance is funding efforts to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene; reduce activities, U.S. assistance is funding efforts to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene; reduce
food insecurity; communicate risks through community engagement; strengthen laboratories, food insecurity; communicate risks through community engagement; strengthen laboratories,
clinical management, and disease clinical management, and disease ~~surveil ance~~surveillance; support migrants, asylum-seekers, refugees, and ; support migrants, asylum-seekers, refugees, and
host communities; and address the second-order economic and social impacts of the pandemic. host communities; and address the second-order economic and social impacts of the pandemic.
Table 5. U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean to Respond to
the COVID-19 Pandemic
(as of August 21, 2020, in thousands of current U.S. (as of August 21, 2020, in thousands of current U.S. ~~dol ars~~dollars) )

International
Migration and
~~Health~~
~~Economic~~
~~Total~~
~~Disaster~~
~~Refugee~~
~~Assistance~~
~~Support~~Economic Disaster Refugee Health Support Total
Assistance
Assistance
Assistance
Funds
Assistance Argentina Argentina
— —
300 300
— —
— —
300 300
Bahamas Bahamas
— —
— —
750 750
— —
750 750
Belize Belize
— —
— —
300 300
— —
300 300
Bolivia Bolivia
— —
130 130
750 750
— —
880 880
Brazil Brazil
6,000 6,000
4,800 4,800
2,000 2,000
950 950
13,750 13,750
Chile Chile
— —
20 20
— —
— —
20 20
Colombia Colombia
15,500 15,500
8,100 8,100
— —
— —
23,600 23,600
Costa Rica Costa Rica
— —
880 880
800 800
— —
1,680 1,680
Cuba Cuba
— —
— —
— —
— —
0 0
Dominican Dominican
~~Republic~~
— —
275 275
1,400 1,400
2,000 2,000
3,675 3,675
Republic Ecuador Ecuador
11,000 11,000
5,000 5,000
2,000 2,000
— —
18,000 18,000
El Salvador El Salvador
2,000 2,000
— —
2,600 2,600
2,000 2,000
6,600 6,600
Guatemala Guatemala
6,000 6,000
— —
2,400 2,400
1,500 1,500
9,900 9,900
Guyana Guyana
— —
350 350
— —
— —
350 350
Haiti Haiti
10,000 10,000
— —
3,200 3,200
— —
13,200 13,200
Honduras Honduras
3,000 3,000
700 700
2,400 2,400
— —
6,100 6,100
Jamaica Jamaica
— —
— —
1,000 1,000
1,000 1,000
2,000 2,000
Mexico Mexico
— —
2,100 2,100
— —
— —
2,100 2,100
Nicaragua Nicaragua
— —
— —
750 750
— —
750 750
Panama Panama
— —
1,100 1,100
750 750
— —
1,850 1,850
Paraguay Paraguay
— —
95 95
1,300 1,300
— —
1,395 1,395
Peru Peru
7,000 7,000
3,800 3,800
2,500 2,500
3,000 3,000
16,300 16,300
Trinidad and Trinidad and
~~250~~
—
~~Tobago~~— 250
— —
— —
250 250
Tobago Uruguay Uruguay
— —
100 100
500 500
— —
600 600
Venezuela Venezuela
9,000 9,000
4,700 4,700
— —
— —
13,700 13,700
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International
Migration and
~~Health~~
~~Economic~~
~~Total~~
~~Disaster~~
~~Refugee~~
~~Assistance~~
~~Support~~Economic Disaster Refugee Health Support Total
Assistance
Assistance
Assistance
Funds
~~Central~~
~~America~~Assistance Central
— —
1,100 1,100
— —
— —
1,100 1,100
America (regional(regional)a
Caribbean Caribbean
~~(regional)b~~
— —
— —
2,200 2,200
— —
2,200 2,200
(regional)b Total
69,500
33,800
27,600
10,450
141,350
Sources: U.S. Department of State, “Update: The United States Continues to Lead the Global Response to U.S. Department of State, “Update: The United States Continues to Lead the Global Response to
COVID-19,” fact sheet, August 21, 2020, at https://www.state.gov/update-the-united-states-continues-to-lead-COVID-19,” fact sheet, August 21, 2020, at https://www.state.gov/update-the-united-states-continues-to-lead-
the-global-response-to-covid-19-6/; and CRS communication with USAID, August 2020. the-global-response-to-covid-19-6/; and CRS communication with USAID, August 2020.
Notes: Health assistance is provided through USAID’s Health assistance is provided through USAID’s Global Health Emergency ReserveGlobal Health Emergency Reserve Fund for Contagious Fund for Contagious
Infectious-DiseaseInfectious-Disease Outbreaks and the Global Health ProgramsOutbreaks and the Global Health Programs account. account.
a. Central Americaa. Central America regional assistance is funding projects in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.regional assistance is funding projects in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
b. Caribbean regional assistance is funding projects in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica,b. Caribbean regional assistance is funding projects in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Grenada,
Guyana, St. Kitts and Nevis, Guyana, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines,Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad Suriname, and Trinidad ~~a nd~~and
Tobago. Tobago.
Although the Latin American and Caribbean region is expected to experience the deepest Although the Latin American and Caribbean region is expected to experience the deepest
economic downturn in the world,27 it has received less than 9% of the $1.6 economic downturn in the world,27 it has received less than 9% of the $1.6 ~~bil ion~~billion of pandemic- of pandemic-
related assistance that USAID and the State Department have announced thus far.28 USAID and related assistance that USAID and the State Department have announced thus far.28 USAID and
the State Department work with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other the State Department work with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other
interagency partners to determine assistance interagency partners to determine assistance ~~al ocations~~allocations. According to USAID, the prioritization . According to USAID, the prioritization
process is based on a series of factors that include caseload and extent of community process is based on a series of factors that include caseload and extent of community
transmission, connectivity to a COVID-19 hotspot, unstable political situations or displaced transmission, connectivity to a COVID-19 hotspot, unstable political situations or displaced
populations, health system weaknesses, and the potential impact of U.S. assistance.29 populations, health system weaknesses, and the potential impact of U.S. assistance.29
Congress deliberated on whether to provide additional Congress deliberated on whether to provide additional funding for internationalfunding for international pandemic pandemic
response during the FY2021 appropriations process. Whereas the House-passed FY2021 foreign response during the FY2021 appropriations process. Whereas the House-passed FY2021 foreign
aid appropriations measure (Division A of H.R. 7608) would have provided $9.1 aid appropriations measure (Division A of H.R. 7608) would have provided $9.1 ~~bil ion~~ billion of of
emergency foreign aid to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic—including $10 emergency foreign aid to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic—including $10 ~~mil ion~~ million to be to be
provided through the IAF—the Senate Appropriations Committee’s draft provided through the IAF—the Senate Appropriations Committee’s draft ~~bil~~ bill would not have would not have
provided any such funding. Congress ultimately appropriated $4 provided any such funding. Congress ultimately appropriated $4 ~~bil ion~~ billion of emergency global of emergency global
health assistance in P.L. 116-260 to be provided to GAVI, the Vaccine health assistance in P.L. 116-260 to be provided to GAVI, the Vaccine ~~Al iance~~Alliance, to procure and , to procure and
deliver coronavirus vaccines worldwide. Ten low- and lower-middle-income countries in Latin deliver coronavirus vaccines worldwide. Ten low- and lower-middle-income countries in Latin
America and the Caribbean are eligibleAmerica and the Caribbean are eligible for assistance in obtaining vaccines through the GAVI for assistance in obtaining vaccines through the GAVI
COVID-19 Vaccines Advance Market Commitment.30 Analysts caution, however, that vaccines COVID-19 Vaccines Advance Market Commitment.30 Analysts caution, however, that vaccines
may not be widely availablemay not be widely available in much of the region until 2022.31 in much of the region until 2022.31
Congress also assessed funding for the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), which is the Congress also assessed funding for the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), which is the
specialized international health agency of the Americas and the World Health Organization’s specialized international health agency of the Americas and the World Health Organization’s

27 International Monetary Fund, 27 International Monetary Fund, World Economic Outlook, October 2020: A Long and Difficult Ascent, October 2020. , October 2020.
28 U.S.28 U.S. Department of State, “Update: Department of State, “Update: ~~T he~~The United States Continues to Lead the Global United States Continues to Lead the Global Response to COVID-19,” fact Response to COVID-19,” fact
sheet, Augustsheet, August 21, 2020. 21, 2020.
29 USAID,29 USAID, “COVID-19 – Global“COVID-19 – Global Response,” fact sheet #1, April 21, 2020. Response,” fact sheet #1, April 21, 2020.
30 30 ~~T he~~The 10 countries eligible 10 countries eligible for assistance under the COVAXfor assistance under the COVAX ~~AMC~~ AMC are Bolivia, Dominica, El Salvador, Grenada, are Bolivia, Dominica, El Salvador, Grenada,
Guyana,Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua,Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
31 “Latam Faces Drawn-out Vaccine 31 “Latam Faces Drawn-out Vaccine Rollout,” Rollout,” Economist Intelligence Unit, December 17, 2020. , December 17, 2020.
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regional office.32 PAHO has been providing direct pandemic response support to health ministries regional office.32 PAHO has been providing direct pandemic response support to health ministries
throughout the region to strengthen throughout the region to strengthen ~~surveil ance~~surveillance, testing, and laboratory capacity; bolster health , testing, and laboratory capacity; bolster health
care services; support infection prevention control, clinical management, and risk care services; support infection prevention control, clinical management, and risk
communications; and prepare for vaccine distribution.33 The Trump Administration requested communications; and prepare for vaccine distribution.33 The Trump Administration requested
$16.3 $16.3 ~~mil ion~~ million for PAHO in FY2021, which would have left 75% of the U.S. government’s for PAHO in FY2021, which would have left 75% of the U.S. government’s
assessed contribution (membership dues) for FY2021 unpaid. The Administration also withheld assessed contribution (membership dues) for FY2021 unpaid. The Administration also withheld
the U.S. government’s FY2020 assessed contribution until July 2020, due to concerns about the the U.S. government’s FY2020 assessed contribution until July 2020, due to concerns about the
organization’s participation in a 2013-2018 program that paid Cuba to send doctors to organization’s participation in a 2013-2018 program that paid Cuba to send doctors to
underserved areas of Brazil.34 The Administration’s decision to withhold the $65.8 underserved areas of Brazil.34 The Administration’s decision to withhold the $65.8 ~~mil ion~~million
assessment reportedly left PAHO on “the brink of insolvency” at the same time the organization assessment reportedly left PAHO on “the brink of insolvency” at the same time the organization
was trying to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.35 It appears as though P.L. 116-260 fully funds was trying to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.35 It appears as though P.L. 116-260 fully funds
the U.S. government’s $65.2 the U.S. government’s $65.2 ~~mil ion~~million assessed contribution to PAHO for FY2021. assessed contribution to PAHO for FY2021.
In addition to overseeing the funds appropriated for FY2021, the 117th Congress may consider In addition to overseeing the funds appropriated for FY2021, the 117th Congress may consider
providing additional aid or approving other support for pandemic recovery in Latin America and providing additional aid or approving other support for pandemic recovery in Latin America and
the Caribbean. A the Caribbean. A ~~bil~~ bill introduced in the final weeks of the 116th Congress (S. 4997), for example, introduced in the final weeks of the 116th Congress (S. 4997), for example,
would have authorized $24 would have authorized $24 ~~bil ion~~ billion for a capital increase for the Inter-American Development for a capital increase for the Inter-American Development
Bank to increase the organization’s lending capacity to support immediate recovery efforts as Bank to increase the organization’s lending capacity to support immediate recovery efforts as
~~wel~~ well as long-term sustainable development in the region. as long-term sustainable development in the region.
Central America Funding Directives36
From FY2016 to FY2020, Congress appropriated more than $3.1 From FY2016 to FY2020, Congress appropriated more than $3.1 ~~bil ion~~billion to improve security, to improve security,
governance, and socioeconomic conditions in Central America as part of a whole-of-government governance, and socioeconomic conditions in Central America as part of a whole-of-government
~~initiative~~ initiative to address the drivers of irregular migration. However, in March 2019—less than two to address the drivers of irregular migration. However, in March 2019—less than two
years into the initiative’s on-the-ground implementation—the Trump Administration suspended years into the initiative’s on-the-ground implementation—the Trump Administration suspended
most foreign aid to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The Administration proceeded to most foreign aid to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The Administration proceeded to
reprogram approximately $396 reprogram approximately $396 ~~mil ion~~ million of aid appropriated for the Northern Triangle countries in of aid appropriated for the Northern Triangle countries in
FY2018, FY2018, ~~real ocating~~reallocating the funds to other foreign policy priorities within, and outside of, the Latin the funds to other foreign policy priorities within, and outside of, the Latin
American and Caribbean region.37 The Administration also withheld most of the assistance American and Caribbean region.37 The Administration also withheld most of the assistance
Congress appropriated for Central America in FY2019 while it negotiated a series of agreements Congress appropriated for Central America in FY2019 while it negotiated a series of agreements
intended to stem the flow of migrants and asylum-seekers from the Northern Triangle to the intended to stem the flow of migrants and asylum-seekers from the Northern Triangle to the
United States. United States.
The aid suspension resulted in USAID and the State Department closing down projects and The aid suspension resulted in USAID and the State Department closing down projects and
~~cancel ing~~cancelling planned activities. In Honduras, for example, the total number of beneficiaries of planned activities. In Honduras, for example, the total number of beneficiaries of
USAID activities USAID activities ~~fel~~ fell from 1.5 from 1.5 ~~mil ion~~million in March 2019 to 700,000 in March 2020.38 Some in March 2019 to 700,000 in March 2020.38 Some

32 Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), founded in 1902 as part of the inter-American system, predates the 32 Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), founded in 1902 as part of the inter-American system, predates the
World Health Organization. World Health Organization.
33 For more information, see 33 For more information, see ~~P AHO~~PAHO’s COVID-19 situation reports at https://www.paho.org/en/tag/covid-19-situation-’s COVID-19 situation reports at https://www.paho.org/en/tag/covid-19-situation-
reports. reports.
34 Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo, “Pan American Health Organization 34 Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo, “Pan American Health Organization ~~T ransparency~~Transparency,” U.S. Department of ,” U.S. Department of
State, JulyState, July 15, 2020; and CRS15, 2020; and CRS communication with the U.S. Department of State, July 21, 2020.communication with the U.S. Department of State, July 21, 2020.
35 PAHO, “Current Financial Situation and Adjustments to the Pan American Health Organization Strategic Priorities,” 35 PAHO, “Current Financial Situation and Adjustments to the Pan American Health Organization Strategic Priorities,”
CESS1/2,CESS1/2, May 21, 2020. May 21, 2020.
36 For more information on U.S. policy in Central America, see CRS36 For more information on U.S. policy in Central America, see CRS Report R44812, Report R44812, U.S. Strategy for Engagement in
Central ~~Am erica~~America: Policy Issues for Congress, by Peter J. Meyer. , by Peter J. Meyer.
37 U.S. 37 U.S. Department of State, Department of State, Progress Report to Congress on the Plan for Monitoring and Evaluation of Assistance in
Support of the United States Strategy for ~~Engagem ent~~Engagement in Central ~~Am erica~~ America, October 8, 2020, p. 2. , October 8, 2020, p. 2.
38 USAID/Honduras 38 USAID/Honduras briefing documents, provided to CRS,briefing documents, provided to CRS, ~~August~~ August 22, 201922, 2019 . .
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Members of Congress criticized the aid suspension as counterproductive, arguing that Members of Congress criticized the aid suspension as counterproductive, arguing that
withholding assistance “erodes the capacity of USAID to improve conditions on the ground—the withholding assistance “erodes the capacity of USAID to improve conditions on the ground—the
very conditions driving people to leave for safer lives in the United States.”39 The Administration very conditions driving people to leave for safer lives in the United States.”39 The Administration
began releasing some targeted aid to the Northern Triangle in late 2019, and it had programmed began releasing some targeted aid to the Northern Triangle in late 2019, and it had programmed
al all of the previously suspended assistance for the region as of June 2020. The Administration of the previously suspended assistance for the region as of June 2020. The Administration
asserted that continued assistance to the Northern Triangle would depend on the Salvadoran, asserted that continued assistance to the Northern Triangle would depend on the Salvadoran,
Guatemalan, and Honduran governments continuing to “take actions to stem Guatemalan, and Honduran governments continuing to “take actions to stem ~~il egal~~illegal immigration immigration
to the United States.”40 to the United States.”40
Congress provided the Administration with significant authority to modify assistance Congress provided the Administration with significant authority to modify assistance ~~al ocations~~allocations
for Central America infor Central America in annual appropriations measures. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, annual appropriations measures. The Consolidated Appropriations Act,
2018 (P.L. 115-141), provided “up to” $615 2018 (P.L. 115-141), provided “up to” $615 ~~mil ion~~ million of assistance for the region.41 However, the of assistance for the region.41 However, the
act also required the Administration to withhold some assistance for El Salvador, Guatemala, and act also required the Administration to withhold some assistance for El Salvador, Guatemala, and
Honduras and authorized the Administration to suspend and reprogram that assistance if the Honduras and authorized the Administration to suspend and reprogram that assistance if the
Northern Triangle governments failed to meet certain conditions related to border security, Northern Triangle governments failed to meet certain conditions related to border security,
corruption, and human rights, among other issues.42 Although the act directed the Administration corruption, and human rights, among other issues.42 Although the act directed the Administration
to abide by the funding to abide by the funding ~~al ocations~~allocations included in the accompanying explanatory statement, it also included in the accompanying explanatory statement, it also
authorized the Administration to deviate from those authorized the Administration to deviate from those ~~al ocations~~allocations by more than 4% “to respond to by more than 4% “to respond to
significant, exigent, or unforeseen events or to address other exceptional circumstances directly significant, exigent, or unforeseen events or to address other exceptional circumstances directly
related to the national interest.”43 The Administration used that deviation authority to reprogram related to the national interest.”43 The Administration used that deviation authority to reprogram
the vast majority of assistance Congress appropriated for Central America in FY2018. Among the the vast majority of assistance Congress appropriated for Central America in FY2018. Among the
“significant, exigent, or unforeseen events” cited by the Administration were “the failure of the “significant, exigent, or unforeseen events” cited by the Administration were “the failure of the
Northern Triangle countries to address Northern Triangle countries to address ~~il egal~~illegal immigration,” “the rapidly evolving crisis in immigration,” “the rapidly evolving crisis in
VenezuelaVenezuela and the need to support the and the need to support the ~~democratical y~~democratically elected National Assembly,” and “an elected National Assembly,” and “an
opportunity to support Caribbean leaders in the wake of the devastating 2017 hurricane season.”44 opportunity to support Caribbean leaders in the wake of the devastating 2017 hurricane season.”44
Congress included similar suspension, reprogramming, and deviation authorities in the Congress included similar suspension, reprogramming, and deviation authorities in the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019 (P.L. 116-6), but added some limitations to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019 (P.L. 116-6), but added some limitations to the
Administration’s flexibilityAdministration’s flexibility in FY2020. The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (P.L. in FY2020. The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (P.L.
116-94), stated that “not less than” $519.9 116-94), stated that “not less than” $519.9 ~~mil ion~~million “should be made available” “should be made available” for Central for Central
America and stipulated specific funding levels for each country in the accompanying explanatory America and stipulated specific funding levels for each country in the accompanying explanatory
statement.45 The act also significantly restricted the Administration’s authority to deviate below statement.45 The act also significantly restricted the Administration’s authority to deviate below
those funding levels by more than 10%.46 At the same time, the act once again required the those funding levels by more than 10%.46 At the same time, the act once again required the
Administration to withhold some aid for the Northern Triangle and authorized the Administration Administration to withhold some aid for the Northern Triangle and authorized the Administration
to reprogram that aid if the Northern Triangle governments failed to meet certain conditions.47 to reprogram that aid if the Northern Triangle governments failed to meet certain conditions.47

39 Letter from Eliot L. Engel, Chairman, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Albio Sires,39 Letter from Eliot L. Engel, Chairman, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Albio Sires, Chairman, House Chairman, House
Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Civilian Security, and Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Civilian Security, and ~~T rade~~Trade, to Honorable Michael Pompeo, Secretary of , to Honorable Michael Pompeo, Secretary of
State, December 4, 2019. State, December 4, 2019.
40 U.S.40 U.S. Department of State, Department of State, Congressional Budget Justification, Foreign Operations, Appendix 2, Fiscal Year 2021 , p. , p.
220. 220.
41 P.L. 115-141, §7045(a)(1). 41 P.L. 115-141, §7045(a)(1).
42 P.L. 115-141, §7045(a)(3) and 7045(a)(4). 42 P.L. 115-141, §7045(a)(3) and 7045(a)(4).
43 P.L. 115-141, §7019. 43 P.L. 115-141, §7019.
44 USAID,44 USAID, CN #195, AugustCN #195, August 16, 2019; CN #157, July 11, 2019; and CN #166, July 19, 2019.16, 2019; CN #157, July 11, 2019; and CN #166, July 19, 2019.
45 P.L. 116-94, §§7019(a) and 7045(a)(1)(A). 45 P.L. 116-94, §§7019(a) and 7045(a)(1)(A).
46 P.L. 116-94, §7019(b). 46 P.L. 116-94, §7019(b).
47 P.L. 116-94, §7045(a)(2)(A). 47 P.L. 116-94, §7045(a)(2)(A).
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The House-passed foreign aid appropriations measure (H.R. 7608) would have exerted greater The House-passed foreign aid appropriations measure (H.R. 7608) would have exerted greater
control over U.S. assistance to Central America in FY2021. The control over U.S. assistance to Central America in FY2021. The ~~bil~~ bill would have directed that “not would have directed that “not
less than” $519.9 less than” $519.9 ~~mil ion “shal~~ million “shall be made available”be made available” for assistance to Central America, including for assistance to Central America, including
“not less than” $420.8 “not less than” $420.8 ~~mil ion~~ million for El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.48 Likewise, the for El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.48 Likewise, the ~~bil~~
bill would have tightened the FY2020 funding directive for Central America enacted in P.L. 116-94, would have tightened the FY2020 funding directive for Central America enacted in P.L. 116-94,
changing $519.9 changing $519.9 ~~mil ion~~ million “should be made available”“should be made available” to $519.9 to $519.9 ~~mil ion “shal~~ million “shall be made available” be made available”
for assistance to the region.49 The for assistance to the region.49 The ~~bil~~ bill also would have further restricted the Administration’s also would have further restricted the Administration’s
authority to deviate below the country authority to deviate below the country ~~al ocations~~allocations specified in H.Rept. 116-444, limiting specified in H.Rept. 116-444, limiting such such
changes to 5%.50 In contrast, the Senate Appropriations Committee’s draft changes to 5%.50 In contrast, the Senate Appropriations Committee’s draft ~~bil~~ bill would have would have
directed that $505.9 directed that $505.9 ~~mil ion~~ million “should be made available”“should be made available” for assistance to Central America in for assistance to Central America in
FY2021 and would have maintained the Administration’s authority to deviate below that funding FY2021 and would have maintained the Administration’s authority to deviate below that funding
level by 10%.51 Both level by 10%.51 Both ~~bil s~~bills would have maintained Northern Triangle-specific withholding and would have maintained Northern Triangle-specific withholding and
reprogramming authorities similar to those enacted in prior years.52 reprogramming authorities similar to those enacted in prior years.52
The relevant provisions enacted in P.L. 116-260 are more similar to those that were included in The relevant provisions enacted in P.L. 116-260 are more similar to those that were included in
the Senate Appropriations Committee’s draft the Senate Appropriations Committee’s draft ~~bil~~ bill than those that were included in H.R. 7608. The than those that were included in H.R. 7608. The
act states that $505.9 act states that $505.9 ~~mil ion~~million “should be made available” “should be made available” for assistance to Central America and for assistance to Central America and
authorizes the Administration to deviate below that funding level by “not more than” 10%.53 Like authorizes the Administration to deviate below that funding level by “not more than” 10%.53 Like
each appropriations measure enacted since FY2016, the act requires the State Department to each appropriations measure enacted since FY2016, the act requires the State Department to
withhold some aid that would support the central governments of El Salvador, Guatemala, and withhold some aid that would support the central governments of El Salvador, Guatemala, and
Honduras until the Secretary of State certifies those governments have met a series of conditions. Honduras until the Secretary of State certifies those governments have met a series of conditions.
If the Secretary is unable to certify the governments’ compliance with the legislative conditions, If the Secretary is unable to certify the governments’ compliance with the legislative conditions,
the act directs the Administration to reprogram that assistance to other countries in Latin America the act directs the Administration to reprogram that assistance to other countries in Latin America
and the Caribbean.54 With a change in Administrations, the 117th Congress may reexamine the and the Caribbean.54 With a change in Administrations, the 117th Congress may reexamine the
amount of flexibilityamount of flexibility it delegates to the executive branch. it delegates to the executive branch.
Role of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation55
In addition to appropriating foreign aid for Latin American and Caribbean countries, the 116th In addition to appropriating foreign aid for Latin American and Caribbean countries, the 116th
Congress assessed how other development tools, such as the new U.S. International Development Congress assessed how other development tools, such as the new U.S. International Development
Finance Corporation (DFC), may supplement U.S. assistance efforts in the region. The 115th Finance Corporation (DFC), may supplement U.S. assistance efforts in the region. The 115th
Congress authorized the establishment of the DFC in the Better UtilizationCongress authorized the establishment of the DFC in the Better Utilization of Investments of Investments
Leading to Development Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-254, Division F). According to the act, the DFC Leading to Development Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-254, Division F). According to the act, the DFC
aims to “facilitate the participation of private sector capital and aims to “facilitate the participation of private sector capital and ~~skil s~~skills in the economic in the economic
development of less developed countries … and countries in transition from nonmarket to market development of less developed countries … and countries in transition from nonmarket to market

48 H.R. 7608, §7045(a)(1)(A). 48 H.R. 7608, §7045(a)(1)(A).
49 H.R. 7608, §7045(a)(1)(B). 49 H.R. 7608, §7045(a)(1)(B).
50 H.R. 7608, §7019. 50 H.R. 7608, §7019.
51 Senate Appropriations 51 Senate Appropriations ~~Commit tee~~Committee draft State Department, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, draft State Department, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs,
Appropriations Act, 2021, §§7019 and 7045(a)(1). Appropriations Act, 2021, §§7019 and 7045(a)(1).
52 H.R. 7608, §7045(a)(2); and Senate Appropriations Committee draft State Department, Foreign Operations, and 52 H.R. 7608, §7045(a)(2); and Senate Appropriations Committee draft State Department, Foreign Operations, and
Related Programs, Appropriations Act, 2021, §7045(a)(2). Related Programs, Appropriations Act, 2021, §7045(a)(2).
53 P.L. 116-260, §§7019 and 7045(a)(1). 53 P.L. 116-260, §§7019 and 7045(a)(1).
54 P.L. 116-260, §7045(a)(2). 54 P.L. 116-260, §7045(a)(2).
55 For more information on the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), see CRS55 For more information on the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), see CRS In Focus In Focus
IF11436, IF11436, U.S. International ~~Developm ent~~Development Finance Corporation (DFC) , by Shayerah Ilias, by Shayerah Ilias Akhtar and Nick M. BrownAkhtar and Nick M. Brown . .
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economies in order to complement the development assistance objectives, and advance the economies in order to complement the development assistance objectives, and advance the
foreign policy interests, of the United States.”56 foreign policy interests, of the United States.”56
~~Official y~~Officially launched in December 2019, the DFC is authorized to provide direct loans and loan launched in December 2019, the DFC is authorized to provide direct loans and loan
guarantees, equity financing, political risk insurance, feasibility studies, and technical assistance. guarantees, equity financing, political risk insurance, feasibility studies, and technical assistance.
Those products, backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, aim to provide private Those products, backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, aim to provide private
sector entities with the liquiditysector entities with the liquidity and assurances needed to invest in projects that otherwise would and assurances needed to invest in projects that otherwise would
be unable to attract sufficient capital due to the risks associated with investing in less developed be unable to attract sufficient capital due to the risks associated with investing in less developed
countries. The DFC is expected to be self-sustaining, generating sufficient funds from service countries. The DFC is expected to be self-sustaining, generating sufficient funds from service
fees, interest earnings, and investment returns to cover its annual operating and program fees, interest earnings, and investment returns to cover its annual operating and program
expenses. expenses.
The DFC’s ability to operate in Latin America and the Caribbean is somewhat constrained by a The DFC’s ability to operate in Latin America and the Caribbean is somewhat constrained by a
statutory requirement to prioritize support for low- and lower-middle-income economies, as statutory requirement to prioritize support for low- and lower-middle-income economies, as
defined by the World Bank. As of 2020, five Latin American and Caribbean countries defined by the World Bank. As of 2020, five Latin American and Caribbean countries ~~fel~~ fell into into
those categories: Haiti, Bolivia,those categories: Haiti, Bolivia, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The World Bank classifies El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The World Bank classifies
20 countries in the region as upper-middle-income economies, which are restricted from receiving 20 countries in the region as upper-middle-income economies, which are restricted from receiving
DFC support unless the President certifies that such support “furthers the national economic or DFC support unless the President certifies that such support “furthers the national economic or
foreign policy interests of the United States” and “is designed to produce significant foreign policy interests of the United States” and “is designed to produce significant
developmental outcomes or provide developmental benefits to the poorest” sectors of their developmental outcomes or provide developmental benefits to the poorest” sectors of their
populations.57 Eight other countries in the region are ineligiblepopulations.57 Eight other countries in the region are ineligible for DFC support because the for DFC support because the
World Bank classifies them as high-income economies.58 World Bank classifies them as high-income economies.58
Despite those limitations, the DFC Board of Directors approved nearly $2.5 Despite those limitations, the DFC Board of Directors approved nearly $2.5 ~~bil ion~~billion of of
commitments for projects in Latin American and Caribbean countries in 2020.59 These commitments for projects in Latin American and Caribbean countries in 2020.59 These
commitments include a $25 commitments include a $25 ~~mil ion~~ million investment to boost cobalt and nickel production in Brazil’s investment to boost cobalt and nickel production in Brazil’s
northeastern state of Piauí, $100 northeastern state of Piauí, $100 ~~mil ion~~million in political in political risk insurance to support marine conservation risk insurance to support marine conservation
in St. Lucia, a loan of up to $150 in St. Lucia, a loan of up to $150 ~~mil ion~~ million to expand lending to women-owned and -led businesses to expand lending to women-owned and -led businesses
in Ecuador, and a loan of up to $241 in Ecuador, and a loan of up to $241 ~~mil ion~~ million to support the development and construction of four to support the development and construction of four
solar power plants in Mexico. The DFC also inherited approximately $9.5 solar power plants in Mexico. The DFC also inherited approximately $9.5 ~~bil ion~~ billion of active of active
projects from its predecessor—the Overseas Private Investment Corporation.60 projects from its predecessor—the Overseas Private Investment Corporation.60
There was some debate in the 116th Congress regarding whether the DFC was devoting sufficient There was some debate in the 116th Congress regarding whether the DFC was devoting sufficient
resources to Latin America and the Caribbean and whether it was striking the right balance resources to Latin America and the Caribbean and whether it was striking the right balance
between fostering development and supporting U.S. strategic interests. Some Members urged the between fostering development and supporting U.S. strategic interests. Some Members urged the
DFC to expand its operations in the region to counter China, which has provided more than $137 DFC to expand its operations in the region to counter China, which has provided more than $137
~~bil ion~~ billion in state-backed finance to Latin American and Caribbean countries since 2005.61 The in state-backed finance to Latin American and Caribbean countries since 2005.61 The
Advancing Competitiveness, Transparency, and Security in the Americas Act (ACTSA; S. Advancing Competitiveness, Transparency, and Security in the Americas Act (ACTSA; S.

56 P.L. 115-254, §1412 (b). 56 P.L. 115-254, §1412 (b).
57 P.L. 115-254, 1412(c). 57 P.L. 115-254, 1412(c).
58 58 ~~T he~~The high-income economies are Antigua and Barbuda, high-income economies are Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados,Bahamas, Barbados, Chile, Panama, St. Kitts and Nevis, Chile, Panama, St. Kitts and Nevis,
~~T rinidad and T obago~~Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay., and Uruguay. World Bank, “World Bank, “ World Bank Country and LendingWorld Bank Country and Lending Groups,” Groups,”
https://datahelpdesk.worldbank.org/knowledgebase/articles/906519-world-bank-country-and-lending-groups. https://datahelpdesk.worldbank.org/knowledgebase/articles/906519-world-bank-country-and-lending-groups.
59 DFC, “DFC Approves Nearly $900 Million for Global 59 DFC, “DFC Approves Nearly $900 Million for Global Development Projects,” press release, Development Projects,” press release, ~~Ma rch~~March 12, 2020; DFC, 12, 2020; DFC,
“DFC Approves $1 Billion of Investments in Global Development,” press release, June 4, 2020; DFC, “DFC Approves “DFC Approves $1 Billion of Investments in Global Development,” press release, June 4, 2020; DFC, “DFC Approves
$3.6 Billion of New$3.6 Billion of New Investments in Global Development in Largest Quarter Ever,” press release, September 9, 2020; Investments in Global Development in Largest Quarter Ever,” press release, September 9, 2020;
and DFC,and DFC, “DFC Approves Over $2.1 Billion in New“DFC Approves Over $2.1 Billion in New Investments for Global Development,” press release, December Investments for Global Development,” press release, December
10, 2020. 10, 2020.
60 DFC, “Active Projects Database,” accessed October 2020, at https://www.dfc.gov/our-impact/all-active-projects. 60 DFC, “Active Projects Database,” accessed October 2020, at https://www.dfc.gov/our-impact/all-active-projects.
61 Kevin P. Gallagher61 Kevin P. Gallagher and Margaret Myers, “China-Latin America Finance Database,” Inter-American Dialogue, 2020, and Margaret Myers, “China-Latin America Finance Database,” Inter-American Dialogue, 2020,
at https://www.thedialogue.org/map_list/. at https://www.thedialogue.org/map_list/.
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U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean: FY2021 Appropriations

4528/H.R. 8716) would have designated 4528/H.R. 8716) would have designated al all Caribbean countries—with the exception of Cuba—Caribbean countries—with the exception of Cuba—
as priorities for DFC support. The measure also would have dedicated “not less than” 35% of the as priorities for DFC support. The measure also would have dedicated “not less than” 35% of the
DFC’s development financing and equity investments to Latin American and Caribbean countries DFC’s development financing and equity investments to Latin American and Caribbean countries
for a 10-year period. Some development advocates voiced concerns that shifting the DFC’s for a 10-year period. Some development advocates voiced concerns that shifting the DFC’s
funding toward upper-middle- and high-income countries to advance U.S. national security funding toward upper-middle- and high-income countries to advance U.S. national security
interests would erode the DFC’s development mandate.62interests would erode the DFC’s development mandate.62
Congress ultimately did not pass ACTSA, but the explanatory statement accompanying P.L. 116- Congress ultimately did not pass ACTSA, but the explanatory statement accompanying P.L. 116-
260 states that the DFC “260 states that the DFC “~~shal~~ shall expand engagement in Latin America and the Caribbean that expand engagement in Latin America and the Caribbean that
catalyzes private sector investment in initiatives to increase distributed energy generation catalyzes private sector investment in initiatives to increase distributed energy generation
systems, and expands economic opportunities with partners in the region, including with minority systems, and expands economic opportunities with partners in the region, including with minority
and women-owned businesses.” The DFC’s operations in the region, including the extent to and women-owned businesses.” The DFC’s operations in the region, including the extent to
which they support development and U.S. strategic interests, may receive additional scrutiny in which they support development and U.S. strategic interests, may receive additional scrutiny in
the 117th Congress. the 117th Congress.

~~62 T he~~ 62 The 116th Congress previously eased the DFC’s 116th Congress previously eased the DFC’s development requirements for energy infrastructure projects in development requirements for energy infrastructure projects in
Europe and EurasiaEurope and Eurasia with the European Energy Security and Diversification Act of 2019, enacted as part of the Further with the European Energy Security and Diversification Act of 2019, enacted as part of the Further
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (P.L. 116-94, Division P, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (P.L. 116-94, Division P, ~~T itle~~Title XX). XX). ~~T odd~~Todd Moss and Erin Collinson, “ Moss and Erin Collinson, “ Russia, Russia,
DFC,DFC, and the and the ~~T errible~~Terrible, Horrible, No Good,, Horrible, No Good, Very BadVery Bad Idea BuriedIdea Buried in the Spendingin the Spending Law,”Law,” Center for Global Center for Global
Development, January 15, 2020; and Adva Saldringer,Development, January 15, 2020; and Adva Saldringer, “What the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation “What the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation
NeedsNeeds to Do in Year 1,” to Do in Year 1,” Devex, January 14, 2020. , January 14, 2020.
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Appendix A. U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin
America and the Caribbean by Account and Country
or Regional Program: FY2019
Table 6A-1. U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean: FY2019
( (~~mil ions~~millions of current U.S. of current U.S. ~~dol ars)~~
DA
~~ESFa~~
dollars) GHP- GHP-
~~GHP-~~
~~INCLE~~
~~NADR~~
~~IMET~~
~~FMF~~
~~Total~~

~~USAID~~
~~State~~ DA ESFa USAID State INCLE NADR IMET FMF Total
Argentina Argentina
— —
— —
— —
— —
2.5 2.5
— —
0.6 0.6
— —
3.1 3.1
Bahamas Bahamas
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.2 0.2
— —
0.2 0.2
Belize Belize
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.2 0.2

0.2 0.2
Bolivia Bolivia
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.0 0.0
Brazil Brazil
11.0 11.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.6 0.6
— —
11.6 11.6
Chile Chile
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.5 0.5
— —
0.5 0.5
Colombia Colombia
— —
187.3 187.3
3.0 3.0
— —
170.0 170.0
21.0 21.0
1.3 1.3
38.5 38.5
421.2 421.2
Costa Rica Costa Rica
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.7 0.7
7.5 7.5
8.2 8.2
Cuba Cuba
— —
20.0 20.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
20.0 20.0
Dominican Dominican
7.8 7.8
2.0 2.0
— —
26.5 26.5
— —
— —
0.5 0.5
— —
36.8 36.8
Republic Republic
Ecuador Ecuador
5.0 5.0
— —
— —
— —
7.0 7.0
— —
— —
— —
12.0 12.0
El Salvado El Salvadorb
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.0 0.0
Guatemal Guatemalab
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.0 0.0
Guyana Guyana
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.2 0.2
— —
0.2 0.2
Haiti Haiti
51.0 51.0
— —
24.5 24.5
103.0 103.0
15.0 15.0
— —
0.2 0.2
— —
193.8 193.8
~~Hondura~~sbHondurasb
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.0 0.0
Jamaica Jamaica
1.0 1.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.6 0.6
— —
1.6 1.6
Mexico Mexico
— —
45.0 45.0
— —
— —
110.0 110.0
1.2 1.2
1.3 1.3
5.0 5.0
162.4 162.4
Nicaragua Nicaragua
11.6 11.6
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
11.6 11.6
Panama Panama
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.5 0.5
0.7 0.7
— —
1.2 1.2
Paraguay Paraguay
4.0 4.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.4 0.4
— —
4.4 4.4
Peru Peru
40.0 40.0
1.0 1.0
— —
— —
32.0 32.0
— —
0.6 0.6
1.8 1.8
75.4 75.4
Suriname Suriname
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.2 0.2
— —
0.2 0.2
Trinidad & Trinidad &
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.3 0.3
— —
0.3 0.3
Tobago Tobago
Uruguay Uruguay
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.4 0.4
— —
0.4 0.4
Venezuela Venezuela
— —
17.5 17.5
5.0 5.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
22.5 22.5
Barbados & Barbados &
3.0 3.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.5 0.5
— —
3.5 3.5
Eastern Eastern
Caribbean Caribbean
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DA
~~ESFa~~
~~GHP-~~
~~GHP-~~
~~INCLE~~
~~NADR~~
~~IMET~~
~~FMF~~
~~Total~~

~~USAID~~
~~State~~ Appropriations GHP- GHP- DA ESFa USAID State INCLE NADR IMET FMF Total
USAID USAID
4.0 4.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
4.0 4.0
Caribbean Caribbean
DevelopmenDevelopmentc
USAID Central USAID Central
168.4 168.4
— —
13.0 13.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
181.4 181.4
America America
~~Regionalbc~~Regionalbc
USAID South USAID South
18.0 18.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
18.0 18.0
America America
~~Regiona~~lcRegionalc
USAID Latin USAID Latin
60.5 60.5
— —
7.8 7.8
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
68.3 68.3
America America and and
Caribbean Caribbean
~~Regiona~~lcRegionalc
State Western State Western
— —
129.5 129.5
— —
41.0 41.0
227.8 227.8
3.2 3.2
— —
30.0 30.0
431.3 431.3
Hemisphere Hemisphere
~~Regionalc~~
~~[CARSI~~Region alc [CARSI]d
[—]
[100.0]
[—]
[—]
[190.0]
[—]
[—]
[—]
[290.0]
[~~CBSI~~CBSI]d
[—]
[25.3]
[—]
[—]
[25.3]
[—]
[—]
[7.5]
[58.0]
Total
385.3
402..3a
53.3
170.5
564.3
25.8
9.9
82.8
1,694.1
Sources: U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of State, Congressional Budget Justification, ~~Department~~ Department of State, Foreign Operations, and
Related Programs, ~~Supplementary~~ Supplementary Tables, Fiscal Year 2021, AprilApril 2020, p. 19; and Congressional Research Service 2020, p. 19; and Congressional Research Service
(CRS) communication with the State Department and USAID, June 2020. (CRS) communication with the State Department and USAID, June 2020.
Notes: DA = Development DA = Development Assistance; ESF = Economic Support Fund; GHP = Global Health Programs;Assistance; ESF = Economic Support Fund; GHP = Global Health Programs; INCLE INCLE
= International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement; NADR = Nonproliferation= International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement; NADR = Nonproliferation, , Anti-terrorism,Anti-terrorism, Demining, Demining,
and Related Programs; IMET = International Military Education and Training; FMF = Foreign Militaryand Related Programs; IMET = International Military Education and Training; FMF = Foreign Military Financing; Financing;
USAID = U.S. Agency for International Development; CARSI = Central AmericaUSAID = U.S. Agency for International Development; CARSI = Central America Regional Security Initiative; and Regional Security Initiative; and
CBSI = Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. CBSI = Caribbean Basin Security Initiative.
a. This amount does not include an additional $9 mil iona. This amount does not include an additional $9 mil ion of ESF for the region that Congress appropriated in of ESF for the region that Congress appropriated in
FY2019 as multilateral FY2019 as multilateral assistance through the Organization of Americanassistance through the Organization of American States.States.
b. Due to the Trump Administration’s b. Due to the Trump Administration’s suspension of aid to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, $181.4 suspension of aid to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, $181.4
mil ion mil ion of FY2019 assistance had yet to be of FY2019 assistance had yet to be ~~al ocated~~allocated when the Administration when the Administration ~~released~~ released its FY2021 request. its FY2021 request.
c. USAID and State Department regional c. USAID and State Department regional programs fund region-wide initiativesprograms fund region-wide initiatives ~~as wel~~ as well as activities that cross as activities that cross
borders or take place in nonpresence countries. borders or take place in nonpresence countries.
d. CARSI and CBSI are funded through the State Western d. CARSI and CBSI are funded through the State Western ~~Hemisphere~~ Hemisphere Regional program.Regional program.
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Appendix B. U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin
America and the Caribbean by Account and Country
or Regional Program: FY2020 Estimate
Table 7B-1. U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean: FY2020
Estimate
( (~~mil ions~~millions of current U.S. of current U.S. ~~dol ars~~dollars) )
GHP-
GHP-

DA
ESFa
USAID
State
INCLE
NADR
IMET
FMF
Totala
Argentina Argentina
— —
— —
— —
— —
2.5 2.5
— —
0.6 0.6
— —
3.1 3.1
Bahamas Bahamas
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.2 0.2
— —
0.2 0.2
Belize Belize
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.3 0.3
1.0 1.0
1.3 1.3
Bolivia Bolivia
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.0 0.0
Brazil Brazil
15.0 15.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.8 0.8
— —
15.8 15.8
Chile Chile
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.6 0.6
— —
0.6 0.6
Colombia Colombia
61.0 61.0
146.3 146.3
3.0 3.0
— —
180.0 180.0
21.0 21.0
1.9 1.9
38.5 38.5
451.7 451.7
Costa Rica Costa Rica
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.7 0.7
7.5 7.5
8.2 8.2
Cuba Cuba
— —
20.0 20.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
20.0 20.0
Dominican Dominican
7.0 7.0
— —
— —
21.2 21.2
— —
— —
0.5 0.5
— —
28.7 28.7
Republic Republic
Ecuador Ecuador
12.2 12.2
— —
— —
— —
7.0 7.0
— —
0.3 0.3
— —
19.5 19.5
El Salvador El Salvador
70.0 70.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.8 0.8
1.9 1.9
72.7 72.7
Guatemala Guatemala
65.7 65.7
— —
13.0 13.0
— —
— —
— —
0.8 0.8
— —
79.5 79.5
Guyana Guyana
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.2 0.2
— —
0.2 0.2
Haiti Haiti
51.0 51.0
— —
24.5 24.5
78.8 78.8
18.0 18.0
— —
0.3 0.3
— —
172.5 172.5
Honduras Honduras
65.0 65.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.8 0.8
— —
65.8 65.8
Jamaica Jamaica
1.0 1.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.6 0.6
— —
1.6 1.6
Mexico Mexico
— —
50.0 50.0
— —
— —
100.0 100.0
1.2 1.2
1.8 1.8
5.0 5.0
157.9 157.9
Nicaragua Nicaragua
10.0 10.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
10.0 10.0
Panama Panama
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.5 0.5
0.7 0.7
2.0 2.0
3.2 3.2
Paraguay Paraguay
4.0 4.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.4 0.4
— —
4.4 4.4
Peru Peru
34.8 34.8
— —
— —
— —
40.0 40.0
— —
0.6 0.6
1.8 1.8
77.2 77.2
Suriname Suriname
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.2 0.2
— —
0.2 0.2
Trinidad & Trinidad &
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.4 0.4
— —
0.4 0.4
Tobago Tobago
Uruguay Uruguay
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.4 0.4
— —
0.4 0.4
Venezuela Venezuela

30.0 30.0
5.0 5.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
35.0 35.0
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GHP-
GHP-

DA
ESFa
USAID
State
INCLE
NADR
IMET
FMF
Totala
Barbados & Barbados &
2.0 2.0
— —
— —
11.3 11.3
— —
— —
0.7 0.7
— —
14.0 14.0
Eastern Eastern
Caribbean Caribbean
USAID USAID
7.0 7.0
3.0 3.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
10.0 10.0
Caribbean Caribbean
DevelopmenDevelopmentb
USAID Central USAID Central
5.0 5.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
5.0 5.0
America America
~~Regiona~~lbRegionalb
USAID South USAID South
15.0 15.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
15.0 15.0
America America
~~Regiona~~lbRegionalb
USAID Latin USAID Latin
32.2 32.2
— —
7.8 7.8
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
40.0 40.0
America America and and
Caribbean Caribbean
~~Regiona~~lbRegionalb
State Western State Western
— —
128.3 128.3
— —
46.5 46.5
207.7 207.7
4.6 4.6
— —
15.0 15.0
402.1 402.1
Hemisphere Hemisphere
~~Regionalb~~
~~[CARSI~~Region alb [CARSI]c
[—]
[100.0]
[—]
[—]
[170.0]
[—]
[—]
[—]
[270.0]
[~~CBSI~~CBSI]c
[—]
[27.3]
[—]
[—]
[25.2]
[—]
[—]
[7.5]
[60.0]
Total
457.8
377.6a
53.3
157.7
555.2
27.3
14.4
72.7
1,716.0
Sources: U.S. Department of State, FY2020 estimate data, June 15, 2020; and CRS communication with the U.S. Department of State, FY2020 estimate data, June 15, 2020; and CRS communication with the
State Department and USAID,State Department and USAID, June 2020. June 2020.
Notes: These totals do not include any of the assistance made available for Latin America These totals do not include any of the assistance made available for Latin America and the Caribbean and the Caribbean
through supplemental emergencythrough supplemental emergency appropriations to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. DA = Development appropriations to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. DA = Development
Assistance; ESF = Economic Support Fund; GHP = Global Health Programs; INCLE = International Narcotics Assistance; ESF = Economic Support Fund; GHP = Global Health Programs; INCLE = International Narcotics
Control and Law Enforcement; NADR = Nonproliferation,Control and Law Enforcement; NADR = Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism,Anti-terrorism, Demining,Demining, and Related Programs; and Related Programs;
IMET = International Military Education and Training; FMF = Foreign MilitaryIMET = International Military Education and Training; FMF = Foreign Military Financing; USAID = U.S. Agency for Financing; USAID = U.S. Agency for
International Development; CARSI = Central AmericaInternational Development; CARSI = Central America Regional Security Initiative; and CBSI = Caribbean Basin Regional Security Initiative; and CBSI = Caribbean Basin
Security Initiative. Security Initiative.
a. This amount does not include an additional $5 mil iona. This amount does not include an additional $5 mil ion of ESF for the region that Congress appropriated in of ESF for the region that Congress appropriated in
FY2020 as multilateral FY2020 as multilateral assistance through the Organization of Americanassistance through the Organization of American States.States.
b. USAID and State Department regional b. USAID and State Department regional programs fund region-wide initiativesprograms fund region-wide initiatives ~~as wel~~ as well as activities that cross as activities that cross
borders or take place in nonpresence countries. borders or take place in nonpresence countries.
c. CARSI and CBSI are funded through the State Western c. CARSI and CBSI are funded through the State Western ~~Hemisphere~~ Hemisphere Regional program. Regional program.
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Appendix C. U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin
America and the Caribbean by Account and Country
or Regional Program: FY2021 Request
Table 8C-1. U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean:
FY2021 ~~FY2021~~ Request
( (~~mil ions~~millions of current U.S. of current U.S. ~~dol ars)~~
~~ESDFa~~
dollars) GHP- GHP-
~~GHP-~~
~~INCLE~~
~~NADR~~
~~IMET~~
~~FMF~~
~~Total~~

~~USAID~~
~~State~~ ESDFa USAID State INCLE NADR IMET FMF Total
Argentina Argentina
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.6 0.6
— —
0.6 0.6
Bahamas Bahamas
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.2 0.2
— —
0.2 0.2
Belize Belize
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.2 0.2
— —
0.2 0.2
Bolivia Bolivia
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.0 0.0
Brazil Brazil
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.6 0.6
— —
0.6 0.6
Chile Chile
— —
— —
— —
— —

0.4 0.4
— —
0.4 0.4
Colombia Colombia
140.0 140.0
— —
— —
237.5 237.5
14.0 14.0
1.4 1.4
20.0 20.0
412.9 412.9
Costa Rica Costa Rica
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.4 0.4
— —
0.4 0.4
Cuba Cuba
10.0 10.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
10.0 10.0
Dominican Dominican
5.0 5.0
— —
10.0 10.0
— —
— —
0.5 0.5
— —
15.5 15.5
Republic Republic
Ecuador Ecuador
10.0 10.0
— —
— —
7.0 7.0
— —
0.2 0.2
— —
17.2 17.2
El Salvador El Salvador
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.0 0.0
Guatemala Guatemala
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —

— —
0.0 0.0
Guyana Guyana
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.2 0.2
— —
0.2 0.2
Haiti Haiti
25.5 25.5
22.0 22.0
75.0 75.0
5.4 5.4
— —
0.3 0.3
— —
128.2 128.2
Honduras Honduras
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.0 0.0
Jamaica Jamaica
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.6 0.6
— —
0.6 0.6
Mexico Mexico
20.3 20.3
— —
— —
41.0 41.0
1.0 1.0
1.5 1.5
— —
63.8 63.8
Nicaragua Nicaragua
10.0 10.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
10.0 10.0
Panama Panama
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.4 0.4
0.7 0.7
— —
1.1 1.1
Paraguay Paraguay
4.0 4.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.4 0.4
— —
4.4 4.4
Peru Peru
27.0 27.0
— —
— —
40.0 40.0
1.0 1.0
0.6 0.6
— —
68.6 68.6
Suriname Suriname
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.2 0.2
— —
0.2 0.2
Trinidad & Trinidad &
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.3 0.3
— —
0.3 0.3
Tobago Tobago
Uruguay Uruguay
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.3 0.3
— —
0.3 0.3
Venezuela Venezuela
200.0 200.0
5.0 5.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
205.0 205.0
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~~ESDFa~~
GHP- GHP-
~~GHP-~~
~~INCLE~~
~~NADR~~
~~IMET~~
~~FMF~~
~~Total~~

~~USAID~~
~~State~~ ESDFa USAID State INCLE NADR IMET FMF Total
Barbados & Barbados &
3.0 3.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.6 0.6
— —
3.6 3.6
Eastern Eastern
Caribbean Caribbean
USAID USAID
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
Caribbean Caribbean
DevelopmenDevelopmentb
USAID Central USAID Central
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
America America
~~Regiona~~lbRegionalb
USAID South USAID South
15.5 15.5
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
15.5 15.5
America America
~~Regiona~~lbRegionalb
USAID Latin USAID Latin
190.7 190.7
9.0 9.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
199.7 199.7
America America and and
Caribbean Caribbean
~~Regiona~~lbRegionalb
State Western State Western
100.0 100.0
— —
11.8 11.8
122.0 122.0
7.6 7.6
1.5 1.5
— —
242.9 242.9
Hemisphere Hemisphere
Regional Regional
[~~CARSI~~CARSI]c
[75.0]
[—]
[—]
[110.0]
[—]
[—]
[—]
[185.0]
[~~CBSI~~CBSI]c
[20.0]
[—]
[—]
[12.0]
[—]
[—]
[—]
[32.0]
Total
760.9
36.0
96.8
452.9
24.0
11.6
20.0
1,402.3
Sources: U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of State, Congressional Budget Justification, ~~Department~~ Department of State, Foreign Operations, and
Related Programs, ~~Supplementary~~ Supplementary Tables, Fiscal Year 2021, AprilApril 2020, p. 19; and U.S. Department of State, Budget 2020, p. 19; and U.S. Department of State, Budget
Rol out Presentation, February 2020. Rol out Presentation, February 2020.
Notes: ESDF = Economic Support and Development ESDF = Economic Support and Development Fund; GHP = Global Health Programs; INCLE = Fund; GHP = Global Health Programs; INCLE =
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement; NADR = NonproliferationInternational Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement; NADR = Nonproliferation, , Anti-terrorism,Anti-terrorism, Demining, Demining,
and Related Programs; IMET = International Military Education and Training; FMF = Foreign Militaryand Related Programs; IMET = International Military Education and Training; FMF = Foreign Military Financing; Financing;
USAID = U.S. Agency for International Development; CARSI = Central AmericaUSAID = U.S. Agency for International Development; CARSI = Central America Regional Security Initiative; and Regional Security Initiative; and
CBSI = Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. CBSI = Caribbean Basin Security Initiative.
a. The FY2021 request would consolidate several foreign assistance accounts, including DA and ESF, into a a. The FY2021 request would consolidate several foreign assistance accounts, including DA and ESF, into a
new ESDF account. The table compares new ESDF account. The table compares the FY2021 ESDF request with the combined FY2020 DA and ESF the FY2021 ESDF request with the combined FY2020 DA and ESF
estimates.estimates.
b. USAID and State Department regional b. USAID and State Department regional programs fund region-wide initiativesprograms fund region-wide initiatives ~~as wel~~ as well as activities that cross as activities that cross
borders or take place in nonpresence countries. borders or take place in nonpresence countries.
c. CARSI and CBSI are funded through the State Western c. CARSI and CBSI are funded through the State Western ~~Hemisphere~~ Hemisphere Regional program. Regional program.

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U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean: FY2021 ~~Appropriations~~
Appropriations

Author Information

Peter J. Meyer Peter J. Meyer
Rachel L. Martin Rachel L. Martin
Specialist in Latin American and Canadian Affairs Specialist in Latin American and Canadian Affairs
Research Assistant Research Assistant

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