U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean: FY2023 Appropriations

Changes from December 12, 2022 to January 6, 2023

This page shows textual changes in the document between the two versions indicated in the dates above. Textual matter removed in the later version is indicated with ~~red strikethrough~~ and textual matter added in the later version is indicated with blue.

U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and
~~December 12, 2022~~January 6, 2023
the Caribbean: FY2023 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. Over the past decade, top U.S. funding priorities for foreign assistance in the region the 1990s. Over the past decade, top U.S. funding priorities for foreign assistance in the region
have included addressing the underlying drivers of migration from Central America, combatting have included addressing the underlying drivers of migration from Central America, combatting

drug production and supporting peace accord implementation in Colombia, and strengthening drug production and supporting peace accord implementation in Colombia, and strengthening
security and the rule of law in Mexico. U.S. agencies also have dedicated significant resources to security and the rule of law in Mexico. U.S. agencies also have dedicated significant resources to ~~combatting~~programs intended to combat HIV/AIDS and foster ~~HIV/AIDS and~~
~~fostering long-term~~ stability in Haiti, stability in Haiti, ~~addressing~~address security concerns in the Caribbean, and security concerns in the Caribbean, and ~~responding~~respond to the political and to the political and
humanitarian crises in Venezuela and their impact on the broader region. Since 2020, U.S. policymakers have taken steps to humanitarian crises in Venezuela and their impact on the broader region. Since 2020, U.S. policymakers have taken steps to
readjust U.S. assistance efforts to respond to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its secondary readjust U.S. assistance efforts to respond to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its secondary
socioeconomic effects in Latin America and the Caribbean. socioeconomic effects in Latin America and the Caribbean.
FY2023 Budget Request
The Biden Administration requested more than $2.4 billion in foreign assistance for Latin America and the Caribbean in The Biden Administration requested more than $2.4 billion in foreign assistance for Latin America and the Caribbean in
FY2023, which (in current dollars) FY2023, which (in current dollars) ~~would be the largest annual budget allocation for the region in more than a decade. If~~
~~enacted, the request would increase the total funding for the region managed by the State Department and the~~ is more funding than the region has received in any single year in more than a decade. This total included a proposed $369.9 million (18.2%) increase in State Department- and U.S. Agency U.S. Agency
for International Development (USAID)for International Development (USAID) ~~by $369.9 million (18.2%)~~-managed funding for the region, compared with the FY2022 estimated level. The compared with the FY2022 estimated level. The
Administration’s FY2023 budget request also Administration’s FY2023 budget request also ~~would provide~~included $38.0 million $38.0 million tofor the Inter-American Foundation (IAF)—a small, the Inter-American Foundation (IAF)—a small,
independent U.S. foreign assistance agency that supports community-led development in Latin America and the Caribbean. independent U.S. foreign assistance agency that supports community-led development in Latin America and the Caribbean.
~~That figure would be the same amount the IAF received in FY2022.~~
~~Much~~ The Administration requested much of the increased funding for Latin America of the increased funding for Latin America ~~and the Caribbean would~~to support continued implementation of the support continued implementation of the
Administration’s four-year, $4 billion plan to foster systemic reform and address drivers of irregular migration from Central Administration’s four-year, $4 billion plan to foster systemic reform and address drivers of irregular migration from Central
America. The FY2023 request America. The FY2023 request ~~would provide~~included $986.8 million for bilateral and regional programs in the seven Central $986.8 million for bilateral and regional programs in the seven Central
American American countries, which is~~countries, increasing aid to the subregion by~~ at least $282.8 million (41.8%) at least $282.8 million (41.8%) ~~compared with the FY2022 estimate~~more than the estimated amount allocated to the subregion in FY2022. .
The Administration also The Administration also ~~has~~ sought increased funding for Haiti to help the country restore democratic institutions, improve sought increased funding for Haiti to help the country restore democratic institutions, improve
security, and foster stability in the aftermath of the 2021 assassination of its president and recurrent natural disasters. The security, and foster stability in the aftermath of the 2021 assassination of its president and recurrent natural disasters. The
FY2023 request FY2023 request ~~would provide~~included $274.8 million for Haiti, which is $55.6 million (25.4%) more than the estimated $274.8 million for Haiti, which is $55.6 million (25.4%) more than the estimated ~~FY2022~~
~~allocation for the country~~amount allocated to the country in FY2022. With regard to other regional priorities in FY2023, the Administration requested $462.9 million to . With regard to other regional priorities in FY2023, the Administration requested $462.9 million to
support counternarcotic efforts, peace accord implementation, and rural security and development in Colombia; $141.6 support counternarcotic efforts, peace accord implementation, and rural security and development in Colombia; $141.6
million to strengthen the rule of law in Mexico; $63.5 million for the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI); and $55.0 million to strengthen the rule of law in Mexico; $63.5 million for the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI); and $55.0
million for democracy, human rights, and health activities in Venezuela. million for democracy, human rights, and health activities in Venezuela.
Legislative Developments
~~As of early December 2022, Congress has not~~Congress concluded action on FY2023 Department of State, Foreign Operations, and concluded action on FY2023 Department of State, Foreign Operations, and
Related Programs (SFOPS) Related Programs (SFOPS) ~~appropriations. In July 2022,~~appropriations on December 23, 2022, when it approved the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 117-328), with SFOPS appropriations legislation included as Division K. Although the House Appropriations Committee reported its the House Appropriations Committee reported its ~~FY2023~~ SFOPS SFOPS
bill (H.R. 8282/H.Rept. 117-401) and bill (H.R. 8282/H.Rept. 117-401) and Senator Coons introduced a separate SFOPS bill ~~a separate FY2023 SFOPS bill was introduced~~ in the Senate (S. 4662)in the Senate (S. 4662)~~. Congress has~~
~~not taken~~ in July 2022, Congress did not take further action on either bill. further action on either bill. ~~It passed a continuing resolution (H.R. 6833) on September 30, 2022, that largely funds~~
Instead, before approving the FY2023 omnibus appropriations measure, Congress approved three continuing resolutions (P.L. 117-180, P.L. 117-229, and P.L. 117-264), which funded most foreign aid programs in the region at the FY2022 level foreign aid programs in the region at the FY2022 level from October 1, 2022, until December until December ~~16, 2022.~~
~~Congress may draw from H.R. 8282 and S. 4662 as it considers final FY2023 appropriations. Neither measure would specify~~
~~comprehensive appropriations levels for Latin America and the Caribbean. Nevertheless, both measures would provide more~~
29, 2022. P.L. 117-328 and its accompanying explanatory statement do not specify comprehensive appropriations totals for the Latin American and Caribbean region as a whole or for some Administration funding priorities, including Central America, Haiti, and Mexico. Nevertheless, the act and the explanatory statement designate more funding than the Administration requested funding than the Administration requested for Colombia ($487.4 million), the CBSI ($82.5 million), and the IAF ($47 million). They also ~~for Colombia, the CBSI, and the IAF, and less funding than the Administration~~
~~requested for Venezuela. Both measures also would~~ place conditions on some aid to Central America, Colombia, and Haiti place conditions on some aid to Central America, Colombia, and Haiti
~~and would~~ and direct funding to various initiatives and objectives throughout the region. direct funding to various initiatives and objectives throughout the region.
Looking ahead Looking ahead ~~to the 118th Congress, in addition to determining aid levels and objectives for Latin America and the~~
~~Caribbean, Members could consider authorization legislation or use their various oversight mechanisms to~~ , the 118th Congress may track the Administration’s implementation of P.L. 117-328. It also could draw from reports mandated by the act as it engages in oversight and considers future fiscal year appropriations and other legislation to help guide U.S. help guide U.S.
foreign assistance policy in the region. foreign assistance policy in the region.
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U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean: FY2023 Appropriations

Introduction
Foreign assistance (also referred to as Foreign assistance (also referred to as foreign aid in this report) is one of the tools the United in this report) is one of the tools the United
States employs to advance U.S. interests and policy goals in Latin America and the Caribbean.1 States employs to advance U.S. interests and policy goals in Latin America and the Caribbean.1
The focus and funding levels of aid programs change along with broader U.S. objectives. Current The focus and funding levels of aid programs change along with broader U.S. objectives. Current
aid programs reflect the diverse needs of the countries in the region, as well as the broad range of aid programs reflect the diverse needs of the countries in the region, as well as the broad range of
these countries’ ties to the United States (seethese countries’ ties to the United States (see Figure 1 for a map of Latin America and the for a map of Latin America and the
Caribbean). Some countries receive U.S. assistance across many sectors to address political, Caribbean). Some countries receive U.S. assistance across many sectors to address political,
socioeconomic, and security challenges. Others have made major strides in consolidating socioeconomic, and security challenges. Others have made major strides in consolidating
democratic governance and improving living conditions; these countries no longer receive democratic governance and improving living conditions; these countries no longer receive
traditional U.S. development assistance but typically receive some U.S. support to address shared traditional U.S. development assistance but typically receive some U.S. support to address shared
security challenges, such as transnational crime. Congress authorizes and appropriates foreign security challenges, such as transnational crime. Congress authorizes and appropriates foreign
assistance funds for Latin America and the Caribbean and conducts oversight of aid programs and assistance funds for Latin America and the Caribbean and conducts oversight of aid programs and
the executive branch agencies that administer them. the executive branch agencies that administer them.
Figure 1. Map of Latin America and the Caribbean

Source: Map Resources, edited by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). Map Resources, edited by the Congressional Research Service (CRS).

1 For more information on foreign assistance, see CRS Report R40213, 1 For more information on foreign assistance, see CRS Report R40213, Foreign Assistance: An Introduction to U.S.
Programs and Policy, by Emily M. McCabe and Nick M. Brown. , by Emily M. McCabe and Nick M. Brown.
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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
assesses trends in aid to the regionassesses trends in aid to the region ~~and~~; analyzes the Biden Administration’s FY2023 budget request for aid the Biden Administration’s FY2023 budget request for aid
administered by the State Department, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), administered by the State Department, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID),
and the Inter-American Foundation (IAF)and the Inter-American Foundation (IAF)~~. It also~~; and examines congressional action on FY2023 examines congressional action on FY2023
Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS) Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS) ~~appropriations and~~
~~raises potential legislative and oversight activities that Congress could consider in the remainder~~
~~of the 117th Congress or in future years. T~~heappropriations. The Appendix provides detailed aid allocations by provides detailed aid allocations by
foreign assistance account and country or regional program for FY2021, FY2022, and the foreign assistance account and country or regional program for FY2021, FY2022, and the
FY2023 request. FY2023 request.
Report Notes
To compare the Biden Administration’s FY2023 foreign assistance request with previous years’ appropriations, To compare the Biden Administration’s FY2023 foreign assistance request with previous years’ appropriations,
most aid figures in this report refer only to bilateral assistance that is managed by the State Department or the 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 Development (USAID) and is requested for individual countries or regional U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and is requested for individual countries or regional
programs. Such assistance accounted for 62.8% of the total aid obligated by all U.S. agencies in Latin America and programs. Such assistance accounted for 62.8% of the total aid obligated by all U.S. agencies in Latin America and
the Caribbean in FY2019 (the most recent year for which comprehensive data are available). the Caribbean in FY2019 (the most recent year for which comprehensive data are available).
Several other sources of U.S. assistance to the region exist. Many Latin American and Caribbean countries have Several other sources of U.S. assistance to the region exist. Many Latin American and Caribbean countries have
received assistance through of a series of supplemental appropriations bil s Congress enacted in FY2020 and received assistance through of a series of supplemental appropriations bil s Congress enacted in FY2020 and
FY2021 to help countries worldwide respond to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Some FY2021 to help countries worldwide respond to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Some
countries in the region also receive U.S. assistance to address humanitarian needs through USAID- and State countries in the region also receive 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 Disaster Department-managed foreign assistance accounts, such as Food for Peace Act Title II, International Disaster
Assistance, and Migration and Refugee Assistance. Likewise, some countries receive assistance from other U.S. Assistance, and Migration and Refugee Assistance. Likewise, some countries receive assistance from other U.S.
agencies, such as the Department of Defense, Mil ennium Challenge Corporation, and Peace Corps, or from agencies, such as the Department of Defense, Mil ennium Challenge Corporation, and Peace Corps, or from
multilateral organizations that the United States supports financially, such as the Organization of American States, multilateral organizations that the United States supports financially, such as the Organization of American States,
Inter-American Development Bank, and Pan American Health Organization. This report examines some of these Inter-American Development Bank, and Pan American Health Organization. This report examines some of these
assistance sources briefly in text boxes but otherwise excludes them from the analysis due to data inconsistencies. assistance sources briefly in text boxes but otherwise excludes them from the analysis due to data inconsistencies.
Sources: USAID and U.S. Department of State, ForeignAssistance.gov, at https://foreignassistance.gov/. USAID and U.S. Department of State, ForeignAssistance.gov, at https://foreignassistance.gov/.
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 FY1946 and FY2019, the United States provided $93.8 America and the Caribbean. Between FY1946 and FY2019, the United States provided $93.8
billion ($194.5 billion in constant 2019 dollars) of assistance to the region.2 U.S. assistance to the billion ($194.5 billion in constant 2019 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
Alliance for Progress, an anti-poverty initiative that sought to counter Soviet and Cuban influence Alliance 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 allies to Central American governments battling leftist insurgencies to prevent potential Soviet allies
from establishing political or military footholds in the region. U.S. aid flows declined in the mid-from establishing political 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 (seeconflicts (see Figure 2).

2 These totals include aid obligations from all U.S. government agencies to the 33 independent Latin American and 2 These totals include aid obligations from all U.S. government agencies to the 33 independent Latin American and
Caribbean countries (identified inCaribbean countries (identified in Figure 1) and regional programs. Certain agencies, such as the Department of and regional programs. Certain agencies, such as the Department of
Defense, have not yet reported their final assistance obligations for FY2020 or more recent years. U.S. Agency for Defense, have not yet reported their final assistance obligations for FY2020 or more recent years. U.S. Agency for
International Development (USAID) and U.S. Department of State, at https://foreignassistance.gov/. International Development (USAID) and U.S. Department of State, at https://foreignassistance.gov/.
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U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean: FY2023 Appropriations

Figure 2. U.S. Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean: FY1946-FY2019
(obligations in constant 2019 dollars) (obligations in constant 2019 dollars)

Sources: CRS presentation of data from U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and U.S. CRS presentation of data from U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and U.S.
Department of State, ForeignAssistance.gov, at https://foreignassistance.gov/. Department of State, ForeignAssistance.gov, at https://foreignassistance.gov/.
Notes: Includes aid obligations from all U.S. government agencies. Comprehensive data for FY2020, FY2021, and Includes aid obligations from all U.S. government agencies. Comprehensive data for FY2020, FY2021, and
FY2022 are not yet available. FY2022 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 generally upward trajectory through FY2010. The higher levels of 1990s and remained on a generally upward trajectory through FY2010. The higher levels of
assistance were partially the result of increased spending on humanitarian and development assistance were partially 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 Millennium establishment of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief in 2003 and the Millennium
Challenge Corporation in 2004 also provided many countries in the region with new sources of Challenge 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 counternarcotics and security programs also contributed to the rise in U.S. Increased funding for counternarcotics and security programs also contributed to the rise in U.S.
assistance. Beginning with President Bill Clinton and the 106th Congress in FY2000, successive assistance. Beginning with President Bill 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, Felipe Calderón, to announce the Mérida Initiative, a package of with his Mexican counterpart, Felipe Calderón, to announce the Mérida Initiative, a package of
U.S. counterdrug and anti-crime assistance for Mexico and Central America. In FY2010, U.S. counterdrug and anti-crime assistance for Mexico and Central America. In FY2010,
Congress and the Obama Administration split the Central American portion of the Mérida Congress and the Obama Administration split the Central American portion of the Mérida
Initiative into a separate Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) and created a Initiative into a separate Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) and created a

3 For more information on the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the Millennium Challenge Corporation, 3 For more information on the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the Millennium Challenge Corporation,
see CRS In Focus IF10797, see CRS In Focus IF10797, PEPFAR Stewardship and Oversight Act: Expiring Authorities, by Tiaji Salaam-Blyther; , by Tiaji Salaam-Blyther;
and CRS Report RL32427, and CRS Report RL32427, Millennium Challenge Corporation: Overview and Issues, by Nick M. Brown. , by Nick M. Brown.
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similar program for the countries of the Caribbean, known as the Caribbean Basin Security similar program for the countries of the Caribbean, known as the Caribbean Basin Security
Initiative (CBSI). Initiative (CBSI).
Although U.S. assistance levels for Latin America and the Caribbean have remained elevated Although U.S. assistance levels for Latin America and the Caribbean have remained elevated
over the past two decades compared with the 1990s, the U.S. government has increasingly over the past two decades compared with the 1990s, the U.S. government has increasingly
concentrated those resources in fewer countries and sectors, in light of significant development concentrated those resources in fewer countries and sectors, in light of significant development
progress in much of the region. Between 2002 and 2019, the percentage of people living in progress in much of the region. Between 2002 and 2019, the percentage of people living in
poverty in Latin America decreased from 45.3% to 30.4%, largely due to stronger economic poverty in Latin America decreased from 45.3% to 30.4%, largely due to stronger economic
growth and the implementation of more effective social policies.4 Health and education indicators growth and the implementation of more effective social policies.4 Health and education indicators
also improved significantly during that period. Some countries, such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, also improved significantly during that period. Some countries, such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile,
Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay, began to provide assistance to others in the region based on Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay, began to provide assistance to others in the region based on
their own development experiences. their own development experiences.
Trends have reversed in the Trends have reversed in the ~~last decade~~past few years, however, as countries in the region have struggled to , however, as countries in the region have struggled to
address a series of challenges.5 Socioeconomic conditions began to stagnate in many Latin address a series of challenges.5 Socioeconomic conditions began to stagnate in many Latin
American and Caribbean countries around 2015 amid a decline in global commodity prices. American and Caribbean countries around 2015 amid a decline in global commodity prices.
These conditions deteriorated sharply in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic swept away more than These conditions deteriorated sharply in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic swept away more than
a decade of development gains.6 Political conditions also have deteriorated as Venezuela and a decade of development gains.6 Political conditions also have deteriorated as Venezuela and
Nicaragua have entrenched authoritarian rule and widespread corruption and violence have Nicaragua have entrenched authoritarian rule and widespread corruption and violence have
eroded the quality of democracy elsewhere. These challenges have contributed to political unrest eroded the quality of democracy elsewhere. These challenges have contributed to political unrest
and large-scale migration flows throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.7 and large-scale migration flows throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.7
Biden Administration’s FY2023 Foreign Assistance
Budget Request8
The Biden Administration requested more than $2.4 billion of State Department- and USAID-The Biden Administration requested more than $2.4 billion of State Department- and USAID-
managed foreign assistance for Latin America and the Caribbean in FY2023, which (in current managed foreign assistance for Latin America and the Caribbean in FY2023, which (in current
dollars) dollars) ~~would be the largest annual budget allocation for the region~~is more funding than has been allocated to the region in any single year in more than a decade. The in more than a decade. The
Administration also requested $38.0 million for the Inter-American Foundation (IAF)—a small, Administration also requested $38.0 million for the Inter-American Foundation (IAF)—a small,
independent U.S. foreign assistance agency that supports community-led development in the independent U.S. foreign assistance agency that supports community-led development in the
~~region. If enacted, funding for Latin America and the Caribbean would increase by~~ region. Compared with the FY2022 estimate, the Administration proposed a $369.9 $369.9
~~million, or 18.2%, compared with the FY2022 estimate (see Table 1). The Administration’s~~
~~proposed increase for the region exceeds~~million, or 18.2%, funding increase for Latin America and the Caribbean (see Table 1), which exceeded the 17.2% increase requested for SFOPS globally in the 17.2% increase requested for SFOPS globally in
FY2023.9 FY2023.9

4 U.N. Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), 4 U.N. Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Social Panorama of Latin America and
the Caribbean 2022, November 24, 2022, p. 19. , November 24, 2022, p. 19.
5 For more information on recent challenges in the region, see CRS Report R46781, 5 For more information on recent challenges in the region, see CRS Report R46781, Latin America and the Caribbean:
U.S. Policy and Key Issues in the 117th Congress, coordinated by Mark P. Sullivan. , coordinated by Mark P. Sullivan.
6 ECLAC, 6 ECLAC, Social Panorama of Latin America 2021, January 2022. , January 2022.
7 See, for example, Moisés Naím, “Why Hard-Liners Are Gaining Steam in Latin America,” 7 See, for example, Moisés Naím, “Why Hard-Liners Are Gaining Steam in Latin America,” Politico Magazine, July , July
12, 2022; and Michael Stott, “Repression and Poverty Trigger Record Migration in the Americas,” 12, 2022; and Michael Stott, “Repression and Poverty Trigger Record Migration in the Americas,” Financial Times, ,
September 11, 2022. September 11, 2022.
8 Unless otherwise noted, data and information in this section are drawn from U.S. Department of State, 8 Unless otherwise noted, data and information in this section are drawn from U.S. Department of State, Congressional
Budget Justification, Foreign Operations, Appendix 2, Fiscal Year 2023, May 9, 2022, at https://www.state.gov/wp-, May 9, 2022, at https://www.state.gov/wp-
content/uploads/2022/05/FY-2023-Congressional-Budget-Justifcation-Appendix-2-final-5-9-2022.pdf; and U.S. content/uploads/2022/05/FY-2023-Congressional-Budget-Justifcation-Appendix-2-final-5-9-2022.pdf; and U.S.
Department of State, FY2022 estimate dataDepartment of State, FY2022 estimate data, August 16, 2022. August 16, 2022.
9 For more information on the global foreign operations request, see CRS Report R47070, 9 For more information on the global foreign operations request, see CRS Report R47070, Department of State, Foreign
Operations, and Related Programs: FY2023 Budget and Appropriations, by Emily M. McCabe and Cory R. Gill. , by Emily M. McCabe and Cory R. Gill.
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U.S. Assistance to Respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic10
In addition to regular foreign assistance funds appropriated through annual Department of State, Foreign In addition to regular foreign assistance funds appropriated through annual Department of State, Foreign
Operations, and Related Programs appropriations legislation, Congress has enacted supplemental appropriations Operations, and Related Programs appropriations legislation, Congress has enacted supplemental appropriations
measures to support the international response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. These measures to support the international response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. These
measures include the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (P.L. 117-2), which provided $10.8 bil ion for health measures include the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (P.L. 117-2), which provided $10.8 bil ion for health
interventions, humanitarian assistance, and contributions to multilateral response efforts, and two FY2020 interventions, humanitarian assistance, and contributions to multilateral response efforts, and two FY2020
supplemental appropriations measures (P.L. 116-123 and P.L. 116-136), which provided nearly $2.3 bil ion in supplemental appropriations measures (P.L. 116-123 and P.L. 116-136), which provided nearly $2.3 bil ion in
international affairs funding for pandemic response. The FY2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 116-260) international affairs funding for pandemic response. The FY2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 116-260)
also included $4.0 bil ion in emergency foreign assistance funds to support global vaccination efforts. As of June also included $4.0 bil ion in emergency foreign assistance funds to support global vaccination efforts. As of June
2022, the U.S. Agency for International Development had provided at least $539.0 mil ion of supplemental 2022, the U.S. Agency for International Development had provided at least $539.0 mil ion of supplemental
pandemic response aid to Latin America and the Caribbean. As of December 2022, the United States had pandemic response aid to Latin America and the Caribbean. As of December 2022, the United States had
provided more than 70 mil ion doses of COVID-19 vaccines to countries in the region. These supplemental funds provided more than 70 mil ion doses of COVID-19 vaccines to countries in the region. These supplemental funds
are not included in the country or regional totals found inare not included in the country or regional totals found in Table 1, Table 2, or thr the Appendix of this report. of this report.
Major Foreign Assistance Categories and Accounts11
The Administration’s FY2023 foreign aid budget proposal for Latin America and the Caribbean The Administration’s FY2023 foreign aid budget proposal for Latin America and the Caribbean
~~requests~~requested $865.9 million (36.0% of the total) through the Development Assistance (DA) account, $865.9 million (36.0% of the total) through the Development Assistance (DA) account,
which seeks to foster broad-based economic growth and social welfare in low- and middle-which seeks to foster broad-based economic growth and social welfare in low- and middle-
income countries. USAID typically uses DA funding for long-term projects in areas such as income countries. USAID typically uses DA funding for long-term projects in areas such as
agriculture, democracy and governance, economic reform, education, and environmental agriculture, democracy and governance, economic reform, education, and environmental
protection. The protection. The ~~FY2023 request would continue to support~~Administration requested such funding in FY2023 to continue supporting long-term development efforts while long-term development efforts while
also seeking to address the negative effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on many of those seeking to address the negative effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on many of those
sectors. Compared with the FY2022 estimate, sectors. Compared with the FY2022 estimate, ~~DA funding for the region would increase by~~
~~$209.4 million (31.9%)~~the Administration proposed a $209.4 million (31.9%) increase in DA funding for the region, with the majority of the additional funding allocated to activities , with the majority of the additional funding allocated to activities
intended to address root causes of migration from Central America and to restore democratic intended to address root causes of migration from Central America and to restore democratic
institutions and support resilience and development in Haiti. institutions and support resilience and development in Haiti.
Another $535.5 million (22.2%) of the Administration’s Another $535.5 million (22.2%) of the Administration’s ~~request~~proposed budget for the region for the region ~~would be provided~~
was requested through the Economic Support Fund (ESF) account, the primary purpose of which is to promote through the Economic Support Fund (ESF) account, the primary purpose of which is to promote
special U.S. political, economic, or security interests. In practice, ESF programs generally aim to special U.S. political, economic, or security interests. In practice, ESF programs generally aim to
promote political and economic stability and often are indistinguishable from programs funded promote political and economic stability and often are indistinguishable from programs funded
through the DA account. through the DA account. ~~If enacted, ESF assistance for the region would increase by~~Compared with the FY2022 estimate, the Administration sought a $103.1 $103.1
million (23.8%) million (23.8%) ~~compared with the FY2022 estimate~~increase in ESF assistance for the region. Among other activities, the . Among other activities, the Administration requested additional additional
resources resources ~~would~~to support rule of law, crime and violence prevention, and climate mitigation and support rule of law, crime and violence prevention, and climate mitigation and
adaptation programs in Central America and Mexico, as well as democracy and human rights adaptation programs in Central America and Mexico, as well as democracy and human rights
programs in Venezuela. programs in Venezuela.
The The ~~FY2023 request for Latin America and the Caribbean would provide~~Administration requested $303.5 million (12.6% $303.5 million (12.6%
of the total) of the total) for the region through the Global Health Programs (GHP) account. This amount through the Global Health Programs (GHP) account. This amount ~~includes~~included $190.0 $190.0
million requested for the State Department, primarily to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS, and $113.5 million requested for the State Department, primarily to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS, and $113.5
million requested for USAID to combat malaria and support maternal and child health, nutrition, million requested for USAID to combat malaria and support maternal and child health, nutrition,
and family planning and family planning ~~programs. USAID also would implement global health security programs~~

10 For more information on the pandemic response and assistance allocations for particular countries, see USAID, 10 For more information on the pandemic response and assistance allocations for particular countries, see USAID,
“COVID-19 – Latin America and the Caribbean,” Fact Sheet #5, Fiscal Year 2022, June 30, 2022, at “COVID-19 – Latin America and the Caribbean,” Fact Sheet #5, Fiscal Year 2022, June 30, 2022, at
https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/COVID_Regional_Fact_Sheet_5_-_LAC.pdf; U.S. Department of https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/COVID_Regional_Fact_Sheet_5_-_LAC.pdf; U.S. Department of
State, “COVID-19 Vaccine Donations,” at https://www.state.gov/covid-19-recovery/vaccine-deliveries/#map_western; State, “COVID-19 Vaccine Donations,” at https://www.state.gov/covid-19-recovery/vaccine-deliveries/#map_western;
and CRS In Focus IF11581, and CRS In Focus IF11581, Latin America and the Caribbean: Impact of COVID-19, by Mark P. Sullivan and Peter J. , by Mark P. Sullivan and Peter J.
Meyer. Meyer.
11 For more information on the various foreign assistance accounts and the programs they fund, see CRS Report 11 For more information on the various foreign assistance accounts and the programs they fund, see CRS Report
R40482, R40482, Department of State, Foreign Operations Appropriations: A Guide to Component Accounts, by Nick M. , by Nick M.
Brown and Cory R. Gill. Brown and Cory R. Gill.
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programs. The request also included funding for USAID to implement global health security programs intended to prevent, detect, and respond to disease outbreaks, building on the pandemic response intended to prevent, detect, and respond to disease outbreaks, building on the pandemic response
aid provided to the region using FY2020 and FY2021 supplemental appropriations (see text box, aid provided to the region using FY2020 and FY2021 supplemental appropriations (see text box,
“U.S. Assistance to Respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic,” above). “U.S. Assistance to Respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic,” above). ~~Under the FY2023 GHP~~
~~request for the region, funding for the State Department-managed subaccount would decline by~~
~~$1.3 million (0.7%) and funding for the USAID-managed subaccount would increase by~~Compared with the FY2022 estimate for the region, the Administration proposed a $1.3 million (0.7%) reduction in funding for the State Department-managed subaccount and a $22.0 $22.0
million (24.0%) million (24.0%) ~~compared with the FY2022 estimate~~increase in funding for the USAID-managed subaccount. .
The remaining $702.5 million (29.2%) of the Administration’s FY2023 The remaining $702.5 million (29.2%) of the Administration’s FY2023 ~~request~~budget proposal for Latin America for Latin America
and the Caribbean and the Caribbean ~~would~~was requested to support security assistance programs, including the following: support security assistance programs, including the following:
 $582.9 million requested through the International Narcotics Control and Law  $582.9 million requested through the International Narcotics Control and Law
Enforcement (INCLE) account for counternarcotics, civilian law enforcement Enforcement (INCLE) account for counternarcotics, civilian law enforcement
efforts, and projects intended to strengthen judicial institutions. efforts, and projects intended to strengthen judicial institutions. ~~INCLE funding~~
~~for the region would increase by $41.4 million (7.6%)~~The Administration requested a $41.4 million (7.6%) increase in INCLE funding for the region compared with the compared with the
FY2022 estimate, with decreased aid to Colombia offset by increased aid to FY2022 estimate, with decreased aid to Colombia offset by increased aid to
Central America. Central America.
 $32.1 million requested through the Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining,  $32.1 million 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
enhance their counterterrorism capacities. enhance their counterterrorism capacities. The Administration’s NADR funding NADR funding request for the region for the region ~~would~~
~~remain flat compared with~~was the same as the FY2022 estimate. the FY2022 estimate.
 $14.0 million requested through the International Military Education and  $14.0 million 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. personnel. ~~IMET funding would increase by $229,000 (1.7%) compared with the~~
~~FY2022 estimate~~Compared with the FY2022 estimate, the Administration requested a $229,000 (1.7%) increase in IMET funding for the region. .
 $73.5 million requested through the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) account  $73.5 million requested through the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) account
to provide U.S. military equipment and services to partners in the region. to provide U.S. military equipment and services to partners in the region. ~~FMF~~
~~funding for the region would decline by~~The Administration proposed a $5.0 million (6.3%) $5.0 million (6.3%) reduction in FMF funding for the region compared with the compared with the
FY2022 estimate, with decreased aid to Costa Rica, Peru, and Colombia partially FY2022 estimate, with decreased aid to Costa Rica, Peru, and Colombia partially
offset by increased funding for regional programs. offset by increased funding for regional programs.
Table 1. State Department- and USAID-Managed Foreign Assistance to Latin
America and the Caribbean by Account: FY2019-FY2023 Request
(millions of current U.S. dollars) (millions of current U.S. dollars)
Foreign Assistance
FY2019
FY2020a
FY2021a
FY2022
FY2023
% Change:
Account
(est.)
(req.)
FY22-FY23
Development Assistance Development Assistance
385.3 385.3
457.8 457.8
490.6 490.6
656.5 656.5
865.9 865.9
+31.9% +31.9%
Economic Support Fund Economic Support Fund
402. 402.3b
377. 377.6b
378. 378.5b
432. 432.4b
535.5 535.5
+23.8% +23.8%
Global Health Programs Global Health Programs
53.3 53.3
53.3 53.3
55.5 55.5
91.5 91.5
113.5 113.5
+24.0% +24.0%
(USAID) (USAID)
Global Health Programs Global Health Programs
170.5 170.5
157.7 157.7
195.0 195.0
191.3 191.3
190.0 190.0
-0.7% -0.7%
(State) (State)
International Narcotics International Narcotics
564.3 564.3
555.2 555.2
553.0 553.0
541.5 541.5
582.9 582.9
+7.6% +7.6%
Control and Law Control and Law
Enforcement Enforcement
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Foreign Assistance
FY2019
FY2020a
FY2021a
FY2022
FY2023
% Change:
Account
(est.)
(req.)
FY22-FY23
Nonproliferation, Anti- Nonproliferation, Anti-
25.8 25.8
27.3 27.3
31.0 31.0
32.1 32.1
32.1 32.1
— —
terrorism, Demining, and terrorism, Demining, and
Related Programs Related Programs
International Military International Military
9.9 9.9
13.1 13.1
13.8 13.8
13.7 13.7
14.0 14.0
+1.7% +1.7%
Education and Training Education and Training
Foreign Military Financing Foreign Military Financing
82.8 82.8
79.7 79.7
76.9 76.9
78.5 78.5
73.5 73.5
-6.3% -6.3%
Total
1,694.1
1,721.7a
1,794.3a
2,037.5
2,407.4
+18.2%
Sources: U.S. Department of StateU.S. Department of State, Congressional Budget Justifications for Foreign Operations, FY2021-FY2023, 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,
FY2022 estimate data, August 16, 2022. FY2022 estimate data, August 16, 2022.
Notes: USAID = U.S. Agency for International Development; State = U.S. Department of State. USAID = U.S. Agency for International Development; State = U.S. Department of State.
a. FY2020 and FY2021 totals do not include assistance made available through supplemental emergency a. FY2020 and FY2021 totals do not include assistance made available through supplemental emergency
appropriations (P.L. 116-123, P.L. 116-136, or P.L. 117-2) to respond to COVID-19. For information on appropriations (P.L. 116-123, P.L. 116-136, or P.L. 117-2) to respond to COVID-19. For information on
supplemental aid, see the text box, “U.S. Assistance to Respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic,” above. supplemental aid, see the text box, “U.S. Assistance to Respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic,” above.
b. Congress appropriated an additional $9.0 mil ion of Economic Support Funds for the region in FY2019 and b. Congress appropriated an additional $9.0 mil ion of Economic Support Funds for the region in FY2019 and
an additional $5.0 mil ion for the region annually in FY2020, FY2021, and FY2022. Those funds are not an additional $5.0 mil ion for the region annually in FY2020, FY2021, and FY2022. Those funds are not
included in this table because they were appropriated as multilateral assistance for the Organization of included in this table because they were appropriated as multilateral assistance for the Organization of
American States. American States.
Major Country and Regional Programs
Although the Biden AdministrationAlthough the Biden Administration~~’s FY2023 budget request would increase overall~~ requested an overall increase in State State
Department- and USAID-managed assistance for Latin America and the CaribbeanDepartment- and USAID-managed assistance for Latin America and the Caribbean in FY2023, proposed , proposed
allocation changes allocation changes ~~would vary~~varied considerably by country or regional program (se considerably by country or regional program (see Table 2). .
Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. Since FY2010, the CBSI has funded maritime and aerial Since FY2010, the CBSI has funded maritime and aerial
security cooperation, law enforcement support, border and port security, justice sector reform, and security cooperation, law enforcement support, border and port security, justice sector reform, and
crime prevention programs in the Caribbean.12 The crime prevention programs in the Caribbean.12 The ~~FY2023 request would provide~~Administration requested $63.5 million $63.5 million
~~for the CBSI, which would be a~~for the CBSI in FY2023, a proposed $16.5 million (20.6%) cut compared with the FY2022 $16.5 million (20.6%) cut compared with the FY2022
appropriation. appropriation.
Central America. Addressing the underlying drivers of irregular migration from Central America Addressing the underlying drivers of irregular migration from Central America
to the United States has been a top U.S. policy priority in the region since an unexpected surge of to the United States has been a top U.S. policy priority in the region since an unexpected surge of
unaccompanied children from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras (the “Northern Triangle”) unaccompanied children from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras (the “Northern Triangle”)
arrived at the U.S. border in 2014. However, specific policy approaches have shifted from one arrived at the U.S. border in 2014. However, specific policy approaches have shifted from one
Administration to another. The Biden Administration developed a Administration to another. The Biden Administration developed a ~~new~~ U.S. Strategy for U.S. Strategy for
Addressing the Root Causes of Migration in Central America intended to support improved Addressing the Root Causes of Migration in Central America intended to support improved
governance, security, and broad-based economic growth in the subregion.13 The Biden governance, security, and broad-based economic growth in the subregion.13 The Biden
Administration also has allocated increased humanitarian assistance to Central America intended Administration also has allocated increased humanitarian assistance to Central America intended
to stabilize populations with acute needs, in line with its Collaborative Migration Management to stabilize populations with acute needs, in line with its Collaborative Migration Management
Strategy (see text box, “U.S. Humanitarian Assistance to Central America,” below).14 Strategy (see text box, “U.S. Humanitarian Assistance to Central America,” below).14

12 For more information on the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, see CRS In Focus IF10789, 12 For more information on the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, see CRS In Focus IF10789, Caribbean Basin
Security Initiative, by Mark P. Sullivan. , by Mark P. Sullivan.
13 For more information on U.S. policy toward Central America, see CRS In Focus IF11151, 13 For more information on U.S. policy toward Central America, see CRS In Focus IF11151, Central American
Migration: Root Causes and U.S. Policy, by Peter J. Meyer. , by Peter J. Meyer.
14 White House, 14 White House, Collaborative Migration Management Strategy, July 2021, p. 7, at https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-, July 2021, p. 7, at https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-
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To implement the root causes strategy in FY2023, the Administration requested $986.8 million, To implement the root causes strategy in FY2023, the Administration requested $986.8 million,
$959.0 million of which $959.0 million of which ~~falls~~fell within the Latin America and Caribbean regional request.15 The within the Latin America and Caribbean regional request.15 The
Administration requested 44.4% of the FY2023 funding for the subregion as bilateral assistance Administration requested 44.4% of the FY2023 funding for the subregion as bilateral assistance
for the seven Central American nations (Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, for the seven Central American nations (Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras,
Nicaragua, and Panama), with the vast majority allocated to the Northern Triangle countries. It Nicaragua, and Panama), with the vast majority allocated to the Northern Triangle countries. It
requested the other 55.6% through State Department- and USAID-managed regional programs. requested the other 55.6% through State Department- and USAID-managed regional programs. If
~~fully funded, aid to Central America would increase by at least~~Compared with the FY2022 estimate, the Administration proposed a $282.8 million (41.8%) $282.8 million (41.8%) ~~compared~~
~~with the FY2022 estimate~~increase in aid to Central America.16 .16
U.S. Humanitarian Assistance to Central America17
Since 2020, a series of tropical storms and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have contributed Since 2020, a series of tropical storms and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have contributed
to sharp increases in food insecurity and other humanitarian challenges in Central America. The Biden to sharp increases in food insecurity and other humanitarian challenges in Central America. The Biden
Administration has sought to address these challenges and stabilize populations in Central America as part of its Administration has sought to address these challenges and stabilize populations in Central America as part of its
broader Col aborative Migration Management Strategy. The U.S. Agency for International Development and the broader Col aborative Migration Management Strategy. The U.S. Agency for International Development and the
State Department allocated $272.2 mil ion of humanitarian assistance to support vulnerable populations in Central State Department allocated $272.2 mil ion of humanitarian assistance to support vulnerable populations in Central
America and Mexico in FY2021, and $295.6 mil ion for such purposes in FY2022. These assistance funds, which America and Mexico in FY2021, and $295.6 mil ion for such purposes in FY2022. These assistance funds, which
U.S. agencies have allocated over the course of each fiscal year from global humanitarian accounts, are not U.S. agencies have allocated over the course of each fiscal year from global humanitarian accounts, are not
included in the country or regional totals found inincluded in the country or regional totals found in Table 1, Table 2, or ther the Appendix of this report. of this report.
Colombia. Colombia has been among the top recipients of U.S. assistance worldwide since the . Colombia has been among the top recipients of U.S. assistance worldwide since the
launch of Plan Colombia, a counternarcotics program, in FY2000. The focus of U.S. assistance launch of Plan Colombia, a counternarcotics program, in FY2000. The focus of U.S. assistance
efforts has evolved over time, responding to changes in Colombia’s long-running internal conflict efforts has evolved over time, responding to changes in Colombia’s long-running internal conflict
and Colombian government priorities.18 The Biden Administration’s FY2023 budget proposal—and Colombian government priorities.18 The Biden Administration’s FY2023 budget proposal—
released prior to Colombia’s August 2022 change in government—requested $462.9 million for released prior to Colombia’s August 2022 change in government—requested $462.9 million for
Colombia, primarily to support the Colombian government’s counternarcotics strategy and the Colombia, primarily to support the Colombian government’s counternarcotics strategy and the
continued implementation of its peace accord with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia continued implementation of its peace accord with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia
(FARC). The request also included some funding to support environmental conservation efforts (FARC). The request also included some funding to support environmental conservation efforts
and the socioeconomic integration of Venezuelan migrants into their Colombian host and the socioeconomic integration of Venezuelan migrants into their Colombian host
communities. The Administrationcommunities. The Administration~~’s request is~~ requested $21.8 million (4.5%) less than the estimated $21.8 million (4.5%) less than the estimated
amount allocated to Colombia in FY2022, with the largest proposed reductions falling under the amount allocated to Colombia in FY2022, with the largest proposed reductions falling under the
INCLE and NADR accounts. INCLE and NADR accounts.
Haiti. The United States has provided Haiti significant aid . The United States has provided Haiti significant aid intended to support the country’s recovery from to support the country’s recovery from
recurrent natural disasters and foster long-term stability, with a particular spike in assistance in recurrent natural disasters and foster long-term stability, with a particular spike in assistance in
the aftermath of a massive 2010 earthquake. The Administration’s FY2023 request proposed the aftermath of a massive 2010 earthquake. The Administration’s FY2023 request proposed
increased funding to help Haiti restore democratic institutions and address the deterioration in the increased funding to help Haiti restore democratic institutions and address the deterioration in the
security situation that has occurred since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse.19 The security situation that has occurred since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse.19 The
request included $274.8 million to address health challenges (particularlyrequest included $274.8 million to address health challenges (particularly ~~HIV/AIDS), strengthen~~

content/uploads/2021/07/Collaborative-Migration-Management-Strategy.pdf. content/uploads/2021/07/Collaborative-Migration-Management-Strategy.pdf.
15 $27.8 million of the $986.8 million requested for Central America 15 $27.8 million of the $986.8 million requested for Central America ~~would be provided through~~fell under global accounts that global accounts that
are not included in the regional total for Latin America and the Caribbean. are not included in the regional total for Latin America and the Caribbean.
16 This comparison excludes assistance requested for Central America through global accounts because FY2022 16 This comparison excludes assistance requested for Central America through global accounts because FY2022
estimate data for such assistance is not available. estimate data for such assistance is not available.
17 For more information on the humanitarian response and allocations for particular countries, see USAID, “El 17 For more information on the humanitarian response and allocations for particular countries, see USAID, “El
Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras—Regional Response,” fact sheets, at https://www.usaid.gov/humanitarian-Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras—Regional Response,” fact sheets, at https://www.usaid.gov/humanitarian-
assistance/el-salvador/El-Salvador-Guatemala-Honduras-Regional-Response-Archive. assistance/el-salvador/El-Salvador-Guatemala-Honduras-Regional-Response-Archive.
18 For more information on U.S. policy toward Colombia, see CRS Report R43813, 18 For more information on U.S. policy toward Colombia, see CRS Report R43813, Colombia: Background and U.S.
Relations and CRS Insight IN11955, and CRS Insight IN11955, Colombia: Presidential Elections in 2022, by June S. Beittel. , by June S. Beittel.
19 For more information on U.S. policy toward Haiti, see CRS In Focus IF12182, 19 For more information on U.S. policy toward Haiti, see CRS In Focus IF12182, Haiti: Political Conflict and U.S.
Policy Overview, by Clare Ribando Seelke and Maureen Taft-Morales. , by Clare Ribando Seelke and Maureen Taft-Morales.
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HIV/AIDS), strengthen government and police capacity, increase agricultural production and other economic government and police capacity, increase agricultural production and other economic
development, and support natural resource management. The Administrationdevelopment, and support natural resource management. The Administration~~’s request would~~
~~increase U.S. assistance to Haiti by $55.6 million (25.4%)~~ proposed a $55.6 million (25.4%) increase in U.S. assistance to Haiti, compared with the FY2022 estimate. compared with the FY2022 estimate.
Mexico. Mexico traditionally was not a major U.S. aid recipient due to its middle-income status, . Mexico traditionally 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 but it began receiving larger amounts of counternarcotics and anti-crime assistance through the
Mérida Initiative in FY2008. Bilateral security cooperation efforts have shifted along with the Mérida Initiative in FY2008. Bilateral security cooperation efforts have shifted along with the
priorities of U.S. and Mexican administrations and now are guided by the U.S.-Mexico priorities of U.S. and Mexican administrations and now are guided by the U.S.-Mexico
Bicentennial Framework for Security, Public Heath, and Safe Communities, launched in October Bicentennial Framework for Security, Public Heath, and Safe Communities, launched in October
2021.20 The Biden Administration’s FY2023 request included $141.6 million for Mexico, 2021.20 The Biden Administration’s FY2023 request included $141.6 million for Mexico,
primarily to strengthen the rule of law; secure borders and ports; and combat transnational primarily to strengthen the rule of law; secure borders and ports; and combat transnational
organized crime, including opium poppy cultivation and heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine organized crime, including opium poppy cultivation and heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine
production. The request also included some funding to help Mexico protect human rights and production. The request also included some funding to help Mexico protect human rights and
improve environmental conservation. The Administration’s request for Mexico improve environmental conservation. The Administration’s request for Mexico iswas $13.4 million $13.4 million
(10.4%) higher than the estimated FY2022 allocation due to a proposed ESF increase. However, (10.4%) higher than the estimated FY2022 allocation due to a proposed ESF increase. However,
according to the Administration’s budget proposal, $17.0 million of the ESF requested for according to the Administration’s budget proposal, $17.0 million of the ESF requested for
Mexico Mexico ~~would~~was to support Mexico’s efforts to implement aid projects in Central America. support Mexico’s efforts to implement aid projects in Central America.
Venezuela. The United States has provided democracy assistance to Venezuelan civil society for . The United States has provided democracy assistance to Venezuelan civil society for
two decades and has increased such assistance over the past five years in response to the two decades and has increased such assistance over the past five years in response to the
increasingly authoritarian rule of Nicolás Maduro. The United States also has provided increasingly authoritarian rule of Nicolás Maduro. The United States also has provided
humanitarian support for those who have fled the country’s humanitarian crisis (see the text box, humanitarian support for those who have fled the country’s humanitarian crisis (see the text box,
“U.S. Assistance to Respond to Venezuela’s Humanitarian Crisis,” below).21 The Administration “U.S. Assistance to Respond to Venezuela’s Humanitarian Crisis,” below).21 The Administration
requested $55.0 million in FY2023 to support democratic actors, human rights advocates, and requested $55.0 million in FY2023 to support democratic actors, human rights advocates, and
other civil society organizations; strengthen small businesses; and reduce maternal and child other civil society organizations; strengthen small businesses; and reduce maternal and child
mortality in Venezuela. The mortality in Venezuela. The ~~request would increase U.S. aid to Venezuela by~~Administration proposed a $6.4 million (13.2%) $6.4 million (13.2%)
increase in aid to Venezuela, compared with the FY2022 estimate. compared with the FY2022 estimate.
U.S. Assistance to Respond to Venezuela’s Humanitarian Crisis22
According to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, an estimated 7.1 mil ion Venezuelan migrants and According to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, an estimated 7.1 mil ion Venezuelan migrants and
refugees have fled the country’s political and humanitarian crisis since 2015, approximately 6.0 mil ion of whom are refugees have fled the country’s political and humanitarian crisis since 2015, approximately 6.0 mil ion of whom are
residing in other Latin American and Caribbean countries. From FY2017 to FY2022, the U.S. Agency for residing in other Latin American and Caribbean countries. From FY2017 to FY2022, the U.S. Agency for
International Development and the State Department provided more than $2.3 bil ion of humanitarian International Development and the State Department provided more than $2.3 bil ion of humanitarian
assistance—including $656.3 mil ion in FY2022—to help countries in the region respond to Venezuelan migrant assistance—including $656.3 mil ion in FY2022—to help countries in the region respond to Venezuelan migrant
and refugee flows, support host communities, and assist those who remain in Venezuela. These assistance funds, and refugee flows, support host communities, and assist those who remain in Venezuela. These assistance funds,
which U.S. agencies have allocated over the course of each fiscal year from global humanitarian accounts, are not which U.S. agencies have allocated over the course of each fiscal year from global humanitarian accounts, are not
included in the country or regional totals found inincluded in the country or regional totals found in Table 1, Table 2, or thr the Appendix of this report. of this report.

20 For more information on U.S. policy toward Mexico, see CRS Report R42917, 20 For more information on U.S. policy toward Mexico, see CRS Report R42917, Mexico: Background and U.S.
Relations, by Clare Ribando Seelke and Joshua Klein. , by Clare Ribando Seelke and Joshua Klein.
21 For more information on U.S. policy toward Venezuela, see CRS Report R44841, 21 For more information on U.S. policy toward Venezuela, see CRS Report R44841, Venezuela: Background and U.S.
Relations, coordinated by Clare Ribando Seelke. , coordinated by Clare Ribando Seelke.
22 For more information on the humanitarian response and allocations for particular countries, see USAID, “Venezuela 22 For more information on the humanitarian response and allocations for particular countries, see USAID, “Venezuela
Regional Crisis – Complex Emergency,” fact sheets, at https://www.usaid.gov/humanitarian-assistance/venezuela/Regional Crisis – Complex Emergency,” fact sheets, at https://www.usaid.gov/humanitarian-assistance/venezuela/
venezuela-regional-crisis-archive. venezuela-regional-crisis-archive.
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Table 2. State Department- and USAID-Managed Foreign Assistance to Latin
America and the Caribbean by Country or Regional Program:
FY2019-FY2023 Request
(thousands of current U.S. dollars) (thousands of current U.S. dollars)
FY2019
FY2020a
FY2021a
FY2022
FY2023
% Change:

(est.)
(req.)
FY22-FY23
Argentina Argentina
3,089 3,089
3,061 3,061
700 700
650 650
650 650
— —
Bahamas Bahamas
196 196
197 197
200 200
200 200
200 200
— —
Belize Belize
235 235
1,179 1,179
1,250 1,250
250 250
250 250
— —
Brazil Brazil
11,619 11,619
20,060 20,060
19,450 19,450
29,800 29,800
40,800 40,800
+36.9% +36.9%
Chile Chile
487 487
553 553
455 455
450 450
450 450
— —
Colombia Colombia
421,180 421,180
460,183 460,183
465,092 465,092
484,711 484,711
462,875 462,875
-4.5% -4.5%
Costa Rica Costa Rica
8,180 8,180
8,225 8,225
8,225 8,225
8,225 8,225
600 600
-92.7% -92.7%
Cuba Cuba
20,000 20,000
20,000 20,000
20,000 20,000
20,000 20,000
20,000 20,000
— —
Dominican Republic Dominican Republic
36,777 36,777
28,569 28,569
29,405 29,405
39,835 39,835
37,500 37,500
-5.9% -5.9%
Ecuador Ecuador
12,000 12,000
19,450 19,450
23,750 23,750
45,562 45,562
35,300 35,300
-22.5% -22.5%
El Salvador El Salvador
39,533 39,533
78,865 78,865
78,790 78,790
99,052 99,052
124,800 124,800
+26.0% +26.0%
Guatemala Guatemala
80,351 80,351
95,887 95,887
98,049 98,049
117,860 117,860
162,800 162,800
+38.1% +38.1%
Guyana Guyana
176 176
140 140
200 200
200 200
200 200
— —
Haiti Haiti
193,752 193,752
172,361 172,361
189,577 189,577
219,188 219,188
274,755 274,755
+25.4% +25.4%
Honduras Honduras
56,906 56,906
73,365 73,365
74,002 74,002
108,306 108,306
133,450 133,450
+23.2% +23.2%
Jamaica Jamaica
1,598 1,598
8,206 8,206
18,071 18,071
19,803 19,803
7,600 7,600
-61.6% -61.6%
Mexico Mexico
162,410 162,410
157,910 157,910
158,910 158,910
128,205 128,205
141,575 141,575
+10.4% +10.4%
Nicaragua Nicaragua
11,610 11,610
11,323 11,323
11,592 11,592
16,960 16,960
15,000 15,000
-11.6% -11.6%
Panama Panama
1,162 1,162
10,131 10,131
11,769 11,769
12,507 12,507
1,225 1,225
-90.2% -90.2%
Paraguay Paraguay
4,397 4,397
4,227 4,227
4,400 4,400
3,400 3,400
4,400 4,400
+29.4% +29.4%
Peru Peru
75,396 75,396
78,342 78,342
85,535 85,535
109,159 109,159
109,870 109,870
+0.7% +0.7%
Suriname Suriname
195 195
178 178
200 200
200 200
200 200
— —
Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago
326 326
2,058 2,058
2,874 2,874
1,742 1,742
300 300
-82.8% -82.8%
Uruguay Uruguay
385 385
377 377
400 400
350 350
350 350
— —
Venezuela Venezuela
22,500 22,500
38,452 38,452
38,000 38,000
48,600 48,600
55,000 55,000
+13.2% +13.2%
Barbados and Eastern Barbados and Eastern
3,456 3,456
5,854 5,854
7,700 7,700
5,744 5,744
19,720 19,720
+243.3% +243.3%
Caribbean Caribbean
USAID Caribbean USAID Caribbean
4,000 4,000
10,000 10,000
13,300 13,300
14,098 14,098
12,000 12,000
-14.9% -14.9%
Development Development
USAID Central USAID Central
4,600 4,600
5,000 5,000
5,000 5,000
35,000 35,000
73,085 73,085
+108.8% +108.8%
America Regional America Regional
USAID South America USAID South America
18,000 18,000
15,000 15,000
15,000 15,000
27,000 27,000
28,000 28,000
+3.7% +3.7%
Regional Regional
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FY2019
FY2020a
FY2021a
FY2022
FY2023
% Change:

(est.)
(req.)
FY22-FY23
USAID Latin America USAID Latin America
68,300 68,300
36,978 36,978
45,540 45,540
60,447 60,447
46,178 46,178
-23.6% -23.6%
and Caribbean and Caribbean
Regional Regional
State Central America State Central America
— —
— —
— —
278,00 278,000b
447,765 447,765
+61.1% +61.1%
Region Regionalb
State Western State Western
431,313 431,313
355,610 355,610
366,909 366,909
102,04 102,044b
150,510 150,510
+47.5% +47.5%
Hemisphere Region Hemisphere Regionalb
[Caribbean Basin
[58,000]
[60,000]
[74,800]
[80,000]
[63,500]
[-20.6%]
Security Initiative]
Total Total
1,694,129 1,721,741a 1,794,345a
2,037,548
2,407,408
+18.2%
Sources: U.S. Department of StateU.S. Department of State, Congressional Budget Justifications for Foreign Operations, FY2021-FY2023, 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,
FY2022 estimate data, August 16, 2022. Caribbean Basin Security Initiative totals for FY2021 and FY2022 are FY2022 estimate data, August 16, 2022. Caribbean Basin Security Initiative totals for FY2021 and FY2022 are
drawn from “Explanatory Statement Submitted by Mrs. Lowey, Chairwoman of the House Committee on drawn from “Explanatory Statement Submitted by Mrs. Lowey, Chairwoman of the House Committee on
Appropriations, Regarding the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 133, Consolidated Appropriations, Regarding the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 133, Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2021,” Appropriations Act, 2021,” Congressional Record, vol. 166, no. 218—Book IV (December 21, 2020), p. H8794; and , vol. 166, no. 218—Book IV (December 21, 2020), p. H8794; and
“Explanatory Statement Submitted by Ms. DeLauro, Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, “Explanatory Statement Submitted by Ms. DeLauro, Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations,
Regarding the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2471, Consolidated Appropriations Act, Regarding the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2471, Consolidated Appropriations Act,
2022,” 2022,” Congressional Record, vol. 168, no. 42—Book IV (March 9, 2022), p. H3007. , vol. 168, no. 42—Book IV (March 9, 2022), p. H3007.
Notes: USAID and State Department regional programs fund region-wide initiatives, including the Caribbean USAID and State Department regional programs fund region-wide initiatives, including the Caribbean
Basin Security Initiative, as well as activities that cross borders or take place in non-presence countries. These Basin Security Initiative, as well as activities that cross borders or take place in non-presence countries. These
regional programs provide the vast majority of U.S. assistance received by some Latin American and Caribbean regional programs provide the vast majority of U.S. assistance received by some Latin American and Caribbean
countries. countries.
a. FY2020 and FY2021 totals do not include assistance made available through supplemental emergency a. FY2020 and FY2021 totals do not include assistance made available through supplemental emergency
appropriations (P.L. 116-123, P.L. 116-136, or P.L. 117-2) to respond to COVID-19. For information on appropriations (P.L. 116-123, P.L. 116-136, or P.L. 117-2) to respond to COVID-19. For information on
supplemental aid, see the text box, “U.S. Assistance to Respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic,” above. supplemental aid, see the text box, “U.S. Assistance to Respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic,” above.
b. The Biden Administration created a new State Department-managed Central America Regional Program in b. The Biden Administration created a new State Department-managed Central America Regional Program in
FY2022, which funds the Central America Regional Security Initiative and other activities that were funded FY2022, which funds the Central America Regional Security Initiative and other activities that were funded
through the State Department’s Western Hemisphere regional program in prior years. through the State Department’s Western Hemisphere regional program in prior years.
Inter-American Foundation
In addition to State Department- and USAID-managed assistance for the region, the Biden In addition to State Department- and USAID-managed assistance for the region, the Biden
Administration requested $38.0 million for the IAF for FY2023 (seeAdministration requested $38.0 million for the IAF for FY2023 (see Table 3). The IAF is an . 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) to provide grants and other targeted assistance for community-led 1969 (22 U.S.C. §290f) to provide grants and other targeted assistance for community-led
development efforts in Latin America and the Caribbean. Congress created the agency after development efforts in Latin America and the Caribbean. Congress created the agency after
conducting a comprehensive review of previous assistance activities in the region and conducting a comprehensive review of previous assistance activities in the region and
determining that programs at the government-to-government level had not promoted significant determining that programs at the government-to-government level had not promoted significant
social and civic change despite fostering economic growth.23 The IAF is active in 26 countries, social and civic change despite fostering economic growth.23 The IAF is active in 26 countries,
including several countries where USAID no longer has field missions.24 The Administration’s including several countries where USAID no longer has field missions.24 The Administration’s
FY2023 request FY2023 request ~~would~~included funding to support the IAF’s ongoing efforts to address the root causes of Central support the IAF’s ongoing efforts to address the root causes of Central
American migration, integrate Venezuelans into host communities, spur local economic American migration, integrate Venezuelans into host communities, spur local economic ~~activity,~~

23 U.S. Congress, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, 23 U.S. Congress, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Foreign Assistance Act of 1969, , Report on H.R. 14580 to
Promote the Foreign Policy, Security, and General Welfare of the United States by Assisting Peoples of the World to
Achieve Development Within a Framework of Democratic, Economic, Social, and Political Institutions, and for Other
Purposes, 91st Cong., 1st sess., November 6, 1969, H.Rept. 91-611 (Washington, DC: GPO, 1969), p. 57. , 91st Cong., 1st sess., November 6, 1969, H.Rept. 91-611 (Washington, DC: GPO, 1969), p. 57.
24 Inter-American Foundation (IAF), “Where We Work,” at https://www.iaf.gov/where-we-work/. 24 Inter-American Foundation (IAF), “Where We Work,” at https://www.iaf.gov/where-we-work/.
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activity, strengthen food security, promote civic engagement, mitigate chronic violence, build resilience to strengthen food security, promote civic engagement, mitigate chronic violence, build resilience to
natural disasters and extreme weather, and advance the social and economic inclusion of natural disasters and extreme weather, and advance the social and economic inclusion of
historically marginalized populations.historically marginalized populations.
Table 3. Inter-American Foundation (IAF) Appropriations: FY2019-FY2023 Request
(millions of current U.S. dollars) (millions of current U.S. dollars)
FY2019
FY2020
FY2021
FY2022
FY2023
% Change
(est.)
(req.)
FY22-FY23
22.5 22.5
37.5 37.5
38.0 38.0
38.0 38.0
38.0 38.0
— —
Source: U.S. Department of StateU.S. Department of State, Congressional Budget Justifications for Foreign Operations, FY2021-FY2023, at , at
https://www.state.gov/plans-performance-budget/international-affairs-budgets/. https://www.state.gov/plans-performance-budget/international-affairs-budgets/.
Note: The IAF received an additional $10.0 mil ion in FY2019 via congressionally directed interagency transfers The IAF received an additional $10.0 mil ion in FY2019 via congressionally directed interagency transfers
from USAID for programs in Central America. from USAID for programs in Central America.
Legislative Developments
~~As of early December 2022~~Similar to prior years, Congress , Congress ~~has not concluded action on FY2023 appropriations. In~~
~~July 2022,~~did not conclude action on appropriations for FY2023 until several months into the fiscal year. Although the House Appropriations Committee reported its the House Appropriations Committee reported its ~~FY2023~~ SFOPS bill (H.R. SFOPS bill (H.R.
8282/H.Rept. 117-401) and Senator Coons introduced a separate SFOPS bill 8282/H.Rept. 117-401) and Senator Coons introduced a separate SFOPS bill in the Senate (S. 4662) in (S. 4662) in ~~the~~
~~Senate.~~July 2022, Congress Congress ~~has~~did not not ~~taken~~take further action on either bill. further action on either bill. ~~It passed a continuing resolution~~
~~(H.R. 6833) on September 30, 2022, that funds~~Instead, Congress approved three continuing resolutions (P.L. 117-180, P.L. 117-229, and P.L. 117-264), which funded most foreign aid programs in the region foreign aid programs in the region ~~largely~~ at the at the
FY2022 level FY2022 level from October 1, 2022, until December until December 1629, 2022, when the President signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 117-328); SFOPS appropriations were included as Division K of the omnibus legislation. P.L. 117-328 does not~~, 2022.~~
~~Congress may draw from H.R. 8282 and S. 4662 as it considers appropriations for the remainder~~
~~of the fiscal year. Neither measure would~~ specify comprehensive appropriations specify comprehensive appropriations ~~levels~~totals for every for every
Latin American and Caribbean country. Nevertheless, the Latin American and Caribbean country. Nevertheless, the ~~measures would~~act and the accompanying explanatory statement include funding include funding
directives (directives (seeincluded in Table 4), restrictions, and/or reporting requirements for several countries and U.S. initiatives in the region. The explanatory statement also directs U.S. agencies to comply with directives, instructions, and reporting requirements in H.Rept. 117-401, which accompanied H.R. 8282, as though they were included in the explanatory statement, “unless specifically directed to the contrary.” Provisions of the act, explanatory statement, and House report related to selected countries and initiatives are detailed below. Table 4) ~~and/or restrictions for some U.S. initiatives in the region.~~
Table 4. U.S. Foreign Assistance for Selected Countries and Initiatives:
FY2023 Appropriations Legislation
(millions of current U.S. dollars) (millions of current U.S. dollars)

FY2022 (est.)
FY2023 (req.)
H.R. 8282 and
S. 4662 and
~~H.Rept. 117-401~~
P.L. 117-328 H.Rept. 117- explanatory and 401 statement explanatory
statement
Caribbean Basin Caribbean Basin
80.0 80.0
63.5 63.5
82.0 82.0
80.0 80.0
82.0 Security Initiative Security Initiative
Central Central ~~America~~
676. 676.2a
986. 986.8a
NA NA
NA NA
NA America Colombia 484.7 462.9 487.4 471.4 487.4 Congressional Research Service 12 U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean: FY2023 Appropriations FY2022 (est.) FY2023 (req.) H.R. 8282 and S. 4662 and P.L. 117-328 H.Rept. 117- explanatory and 401 statement explanatory statement ~~Colombia~~
~~484.7~~
~~462.9~~
~~487.4~~
~~471.4~~
Haiti Haiti
219.2 219.2
274.8 274.8
NA NA
NA NA NA
Inter-American Inter-American
38.0 38.0
38.0 38.0
47.0 47.0
47.0 47.0
47.0 Foundation Foundation
Mexico Mexico
128.2 128.2
141.6 141.6
NA NA
NA NA NA
Venezuela Venezuela
48.6 48.6
55.0 55.0
50.0 50.0
40 40.0 50.0 .0
Sources: U.S. Department of State, FY2022 estimate data, August 16, 2022; U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of State, FY2022 estimate data, August 16, 2022; U.S. Department of State,
Congressional Budget Justification, Foreign Operations, Appendix 2, Fiscal Year 2023, May 9, 2022; H.R. 8282; H.Rept. ; H.R. 8282; H.Rept.
117-401; S. 4662; 117-401; S. 4662; ~~and the~~ explanatory statement released by the chairman of the Senate Appropriations explanatory statement released by the chairman of the Senate Appropriations
Committee, at https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/SFOPSFY23RPT.pdfCommittee, at https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/SFOPSFY23RPT.pdf.
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; P.L. 117-328; and “Explanatory Statement Submitted by Mr. Leahy, Chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Regarding H.R. 2617, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023,” Congressional Record, vol. 168, no. 198—Book II (December 20, 2022), pp. S9285-S9302. Note: NA indicates that comprehensive appropriation totals are not available. NA indicates that comprehensive appropriation totals are not available.
a. The FY2023 request figure for Central America includes $27.8 mil ion a. The FY2023 request figure for Central America includes $27.8 mil ion ~~that would be provided~~requested through through
global accounts. global accounts. The FY2022 estimate figure for Central America does not include any global funding. The FY2022 estimate figure for Central America does not include any global funding.
Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. . ~~Both measures would provide more funding for the CBSI~~
~~than the Administration requested. H.R. 8282 would provide “not less than” $82.0 million for the~~
~~CBSI, and the Senate Appropriations Committee chairman’s explanatory statement would~~
~~recommend “not less than” $80.0 million for the initiative. H.Rept. 117-401 would direct the~~
~~Secretary of State to consider Caribbean nations’ equipment needs for responding to natural~~
~~disasters and combatting transnational crime in the implementation of the initiative. The report~~
~~also would direct the Secretary to consider using the authority granted under Section 516 of the~~
~~Foreign Assistance Act (22 U.S.C. §2321j) to transfer excess defense articles to meet such needs.~~
Central America. Neither bill would stipulate an overall assistance level for Central America.
~~However, H.R. 8282 would designate “not less than” $100.0 million~~P.L. 117-328 provides “not less than” $82.0 million for the CBSI, which is $18.5 million more than the Administration requested and $2.0 million more than was appropriated for the initiative in FY2022. H.Rept. 117-401 directs the Secretary of State, in coordination with the USAID Administrator, to submit a report to the Appropriations Committees “not later than 45 days after enactment” of the act detailing the uses of all funds provided for the CBSI from FY2015 through FY2021 on a country-by-country basis. It also directs the agencies to integrate that information into the ForeignAssistance.gov website, “as appropriate.” Central America. P.L. 117-328 does not stipulate an overall assistance level for Central America. However, the act states that “up to” $100.0 million “should be made available” for locally led development for locally led development
programs in the Northern Triangle, $programs in the Northern Triangle, $~~75.0 million~~ 70.0 million “should be made available” for programs to reduce violence against women and girls in to reduce violence against women and girls in
Central America, Central America, ~~$65.0 million for~~and $61.5 million “should be made available” to support anti-corruption entities and activities in Central America anti-corruption entities and activities in Central America~~, and~~
. The act also designates $15.0 million for democracy programs in Nicaragua. $15.0 million for democracy programs in Nicaragua. ~~The accompanying report would designate~~
~~$126.7 million~~ Among other funding directives, the explanatory statement designates $126.7 million of DA for Honduras and $40.7 million for Honduras and $40.7 million of security assistance for Costa Rica.~~for Costa Rica. It also would designate $50.0~~
~~million for the Central America Youth Empowerment Program, which Congress established in~~
~~FY2022 SFOPS legislation (P.L. 117-103, Division K, §7045(a)(1)(C)) and the Biden~~
~~Administration rebranded as the Central American Service Corps.25~~ Some of these activities may Some of these activities may
~~overlap. Similar to other SFOPS measures enacted in recent years, the bill would prohibit FMF~~
~~for the Northern Triangle countries. It also would require the State Department to withhold 60%~~
~~of ESF and security~~overlap. The act requires the State Department to withhold 60% of ESF and security assistance to support the central governments of El Salvador and Guatemala and 45% of such assistance to support the central assistance to support the central ~~governments of the Northern Triangle~~
~~countries~~government of Honduras until the Secretary of State certifies until the Secretary of State certifies ~~that~~ those governments have met a series of those governments have met a series of
conditions related to corruption, human rights, migration, and other congressional conditions related to corruption, human rights, migration, and other congressional concerns. Those withholding requirements do not apply to aid intended to combat corruption and impunity, combat gender-based violence, promote and protect human rights, or address food security and other humanitarian challenges. As in prior years, the act also prohibits FMF for the Northern Triangle countries. The explanatory statement and H.Rept. 117-401 include numerous other directives and reporting requirements related to Central America. For example, H.Rept. 117-401 directs that none of the funds appropriated by the act for Central America may be used to support major infrastructure plans or finance infrastructure or energy projects that are opposed by local residents or that contribute to environmental damage or violations of labor laws and community land rights. H.Rept. 117-401 also requires the State Department to submit reports to the Appropriations, Congressional Research Service 13 U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean: FY2023 Appropriations Foreign Relations, and Foreign Affairs Committees on how IMET aid was used in Central America for FY2012 through FY2022 and (jointly with USAID) the metrics used to monitor and evaluate the impact of U.S. assistance to address the root causes of migration from Central America, among other topics. Colombia. P.L. 117-328 states that $487.4 million “should be made available” for assistance to Colombia, which is $24.5 million more than the Administration requested and $2.7 million more than the estimated amount allocated to the country in FY2022. Of that total, that act designates “not less than” $40.0 million to ~~concerns.~~
~~S. 4662 would designate “not less than” $70.0 million to reduce violence against women and girls~~
~~in Central America, $61.5 million for anti-corruption entities and activities in Central America,~~
~~and $15.0 million for democracy programs in Nicaragua. The accompanying explanatory~~
~~statement would designate $50.0 million for the Central American Service Corps. The bill would~~
~~impose aid restrictions similar to those in H.R. 8282, but it would reduce the withholding~~
~~requirement on aid to the central government of Honduras to 45% and would allow the provision~~
~~of FMF to the Northern Triangle countries to support disaster response, humanitarian assistance,~~
~~and maritime security.~~
Colombia. Both bills would provide slightly more funding for Colombia than the Administration
~~requested. H.R. 8282 would provide $487.4 million for Colombia, and S. 4662 would provide~~
~~$471.4 million. Both measures would designate “not less than” $40.0 million of the total aid to~~
support activities intended to improve rural security in municipalities with high levels of illicit support activities intended to improve rural security in municipalities with high levels of illicit
activities, including coca production.activities, including coca production.
~~As in prior years, both bills would require~~ Among other funding directives, the explanatory statement designates $37.5 million of INCLE to support the rule of law and human rights in Colombia, $25.0 million of ESF to assist Afro-Colombian and Indigenous communities, and $15.0 million of DA to protect biodiversity. The act requires the State Department to withhold some security the State Department to withhold some security
assistance assistance for Colombia until the country meets certain counterdrug and human rights conditions. Of the INCLE assistance made available for Colombia, 20% may not be obligated~~until the Colombian government meets certain conditions. H.R. 8282 would require the~~
~~State Department to withhold 30% of INCLE and FMF aid for Colombia~~ until the Secretary of until the Secretary of
State certifies that the State certifies that the Colombian government is implementing a strategy to reduce coca cultivation and cocaine production substantially that complies with the terms of the country’s 2016 peace accord. Of the INCLE made available for the Colombian National Police, 5% may not be obligated until the Secretary of State ~~Colombian government has met several human rights conditions. S. 4662~~
~~would require the State Department to withhold 20% of INCLE aid to Colombia until the~~
~~Secretary certifies that the Colombian government is implementing certain counternarcotics~~

~~25 White House, “Fact Sheet: Vice President Harris Announces the Central American Service Corps (CASC),” June 7,~~
~~2022.~~
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~~policies and to withhold 20% of FMF and 5% of INCLE to Colombia until the Secretary certifies~~
~~the Colombian government has met certain human rights conditions.~~
Haiti. Neither measure would specify a comprehensive appropriation level for Haiti. H.R. 8282
~~and the accompanying report do not include any Haiti-related funding directives. The Senate~~
~~Appropriations Committee chairman’s explanatory statement to S. 4662 would designate $8.5~~
certifies that the Colombian government is bringing to justice police personnel involved in illegal acts against protesters in 2020 and 2021. Additionally, 20% of the FMF made available for Colombia may not be obligated until the Secretary of State certifies that the Colombian government meets several conditions related to protecting human rights and prosecuting human rights abuses. These restrictions do not apply to funds for aviation instruction and maintenance or maritime and riverine security programs. In terms of reporting requirements, the explanatory statement directs the Secretary of State to submit a report to the Appropriations Committees detailing the Colombian government’s counternarcotics strategy and how U.S. assistance will support that strategy and advance U.S. interests. The report is also to assess the likelihood that the strategy will sustainably reduce illicit drug cultivation, production, and trafficking in Colombia. Haiti. P.L. 117-328 does not specify a comprehensive appropriation level for Haiti. The accompanying explanatory statement designates $8.5 million for reforestation efforts and “not less than” $5.0 million to help meet the sanitary, million for reforestation efforts and “not less than” $5.0 million to help meet the sanitary,
medical, and nutritional needs of Haitian medical, and nutritional needs of Haitian ~~prisoners. The explanatory statement also would~~
~~recommend “not less than” the FY2022 allocation for law enforcement programs for Haiti.~~
~~Both bills would require~~prisoners. The act requires the State Department to withhold the State Department to withhold any aid to aid to support the Haitian government until the Haitian government until the Secretary of State certifies that a a
new president and parliament new president and parliament ~~take~~have taken office following free and fair elections or a broadly office following free and fair elections or a broadly
representative transitional government is in placerepresentative transitional government is in place~~. However, both bills include exceptions for aid~~
and it is in the interest of the United States to provide such assistance. That withholding requirement does not apply to aid intended to support free and fair elections; to support free and fair elections; ~~disaster relief and recovery;~~ anti-gang police and justice anti-gang police and justice ~~sector~~
~~activities; and public health, education, and other programs to meet~~ administration; disaster relief and recovery; and education, public health, food security, and other basic human needs. As in prior years, the act prohibits assistance for the armed forces of Haiti. H.Rept. 117-401 directs the USAID Administrator to submit a report to the Appropriations Committees “not later than 45 days after enactment” of the act on proposed assistance programs to improve access to quality prenatal, neonatal, and maternal care in Haiti. Inter-American Foundation. P.L. 117-328 provides $47.0 million for the IAF, which is $9.0 million more than the Administration requested or was appropriated for the agency in FY2022. The explanatory statement notes that the act includes funding to expand an economic exchange program between Indigenous IAF grantees and Native American tribes. Congressional Research Service 14 U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean: FY2023 Appropriations Mexico. P.L. 117-328 does not specify a comprehensive appropriation level for Mexico, though the explanatory statement notes that the act includes “assistance for Mexico commensurate with prior fiscal years.” Mexico received an estimated $128.2 million in FY2022. H.Rept. 117-401 states that the act does not provide FMF aid for Mexico and directs that no other funds appropriated be used to support military involvement in law enforcement in Mexico. H.Rept. 117-401 also includes numerous reporting requirements related to Mexico. For example, it requires the Secretary of State, in consultation with the USAID Administrator, to submit a report to the Appropriations, Foreign Relations, and Foreign Affairs Committees “not later than 90 days after enactment” of the act assessing the impact of U.S. assistance efforts implemented under the U.S.-Mexico Bicentennial Framework for Security, Public Heath, and Safe Communities. H.Rept. 117-401 also directs the State Department to submit reports to the Appropriations Committees related to human rights in Mexico, U.S. support for Mexican migration and law enforcement agents, and the Migrant Protection Protocols, among other topics. Venezuela. P.L. 117-328 designates $50.0 million of ESF for democracy programs in Venezuela. The act also direct U.S. agencies to continue providing support to other Latin American and Caribbean countries hosting Venezuelan migrants and refugees. Western Hemisphere Counternarcotics Strategy. The explanatory statement directs the Secretary of State, in consultation with the USAID Administrator, to submit a report to the Appropriations Committees “not later than 120 days” after enactment of the act on the U.S. counternarcotics strategy in Latin America. The report is to include an assessment of prior counternarcotics initiatives in Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, and Central America and the reasons they did not achieve projected outcomes; a description of how the current strategy incorporates lessons learned from past initiatives; and the goals and projected outcomes of the current strategy. Outlook The COVID-19 pandemic eroded more than a decade of development gains in~~basic human needs.~~
Inter-American Foundation. Both bills would provide $47.0 million for the IAF, which would
~~exceed the Administration’s request and prior year appropriations. H.Rept. 117-401 would~~
~~designate $1.7 million of the total to expand an economic exchange program between Indigenous~~
~~IAF grantees and Native American tribes. The report also would recommend that the IAF use the~~
~~increased funding to address the impacts of COVID-19, facilitate pandemic recovery, and~~
~~strengthen resilience to future shocks in Latin America and the Caribbean.~~
Mexico. Neither bill would specify a comprehensive appropriation level for Mexico, though
~~H.Rept. 117-401 would designate $55.0 million of ESF for Mexico. According to H.Rept. 117-~~
~~401 and the explanatory statement released by the Senate Appropriations Committee chairman,~~
~~neither measure would provide FMF aid for Mexico and both measures would require the State~~
~~Department to report to the Appropriations Committees on the extent to which the Mexican~~
~~government is meeting various human rights conditions prior to obligating any INCLE aid for~~
~~Mexico.~~
Venezuela. H.R. 8282 and S. 4662 would designate $50.0 million and $40.0 million of ESF,
~~respectively, for democracy programs in Venezuela. Both bills also would direct U.S. agencies to~~
~~continue providing support to other Latin American and Caribbean countries hosting Venezuelan~~
~~migrants and refugees. Neither bill would specifically fund the Administration’s $5.0 million~~
~~GHP request for Venezuela.~~
~~Looking Ahead~~
~~The COVID-19 pandemic eroded more than a decade of development gains in Latin America and~~
~~the Caribbean, and many countries in the region continue to contend with its direct health impact~~
~~and related socioeconomic effects. This deterioration in living conditions has contributed to~~
~~increased political instability and irregular migration throughout the Western Hemisphere, leading~~
~~the Biden Administration to assert in its National Security Strategy that there is a “direct link~~
~~between the region’s prosperity and security and that of our own.”26 Congressional decisions~~
~~regarding foreign assistance appropriations will help determine how the United States responds to~~
~~challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean and the relative prioritization of U.S. objectives in~~
~~the region. Congress also could help guide U.S. foreign assistance policy in the region by~~
~~enacting authorization legislation or using its various oversight mechanisms.~~

~~26 White House, National Security Strategy, October 2022, p. 40.~~
~~Congressional Research Service~~

14

~~U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean: FY2023 Appropriations~~

Appropriations. In the final weeks of the 117th Congress, Members may conclude action on
~~FY2023 SFOPS appropriations, pass another short-term continuing resolution (or multiple~~
~~continuing resolutions)—deferring final funding decisions to the 118th Congress—or enact a long-~~
~~term continuing resolution that would maintain FY2022 funding levels through the end of~~
~~FY2023. A final FY2023 SFOPS bill would allow Congress to alter foreign assistance funding~~
~~priorities, directives, and reporting requirements for Latin America and the Caribbean to reflect~~
~~changes in the region and in U.S. policy over the past year. It also would provide clarity to U.S.~~
~~agencies on funding levels as they plan and implement activities over the remaining nine months~~
~~of the fiscal year. A continuing resolution would be less likely to modify funding levels or policy~~
~~toward the region but could keep existing programs running in the absence of congressional~~
~~agreement on potential changes.~~
~~Authorizations.~~ ~~In addition to appropriating assistance for~~ Latin America and Latin America and the Caribbean, and many countries in the region continue to contend with its direct health impact and related socioeconomic effects. This deterioration in living conditions has contributed to increased political instability and irregular migration throughout the Western Hemisphere, leading the Biden Administration to assert in its National Security Strategy that there is a “direct link between the region’s prosperity and security and that of our own.”25 Although it remains to be seen how much foreign assistance appropriated in P.L. 117-328 will be allocated to Latin America and the Caribbean in FY2023, the act includes a variety of funding directives intended to address challenges in the region. The act also includes numerous withholding and reporting requirements intended to improve the effectiveness of U.S. assistance efforts. Such provisions could assist the 118th Congress as it engages in oversight and considers future fiscal year appropriations and other legislation to help guide U.S. foreign assistance policy in Latin America and the Caribbean. 25 White House, National Security Strategy, October 2022, p. 40. ~~the Caribbean,~~
~~Congress could shape longer-term U.S. foreign assistance policy toward the region with~~
~~authorization legislation. Although Congress has not enacted a comprehensive foreign assistance~~
~~authorization since 1985 (P.L. 99-83), it occasionally has authorized specific aid programs or~~
~~initiatives. In the 117th Congress, the House approved the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative~~
~~Authorization Act (H.R. 4133), which would authorize $74.8 million to be appropriated for the~~
~~CBSI annually in FY2022 through FY2026 and would establish specific objectives, priorities,~~
~~and reporting requirements for the initiative; the Senate has not considered the measure. A variety~~
~~of other bills introduced in the 117th Congress would authorize funding and/or set policy~~
~~objectives for U.S. foreign assistance programs in Central America (e.g., H.R. 1177/S. 348; H.R.~~
~~4017/S. 2003; and H.R. 6637); no legislative action has been taken on those measures.~~
Oversight. Looking ahead, the 118th Congress could consider whether to exercise increased
~~oversight of U.S. assistance programs in Latin America and the Caribbean as well as of the~~
~~executive branch agencies that administer those programs. If Congress chooses to pursue~~
~~increased oversight of this aid, committees could hold hearings and Members could conduct fact-~~
~~finding missions to the region to assess major U.S. initiatives, such as the U.S. Strategy for~~
~~Addressing the Root Causes of Migration in Central America; the CBSI; the evolving U.S.~~
~~security partnership with Colombia; and the U.S.-Mexico Bicentennial Framework for Security,~~
~~Public Heath, and Safe Communities. Such efforts could examine the extent to which those~~
~~initiatives are meeting their stated objectives and what changes, if any, could make them more~~
~~effective.~~
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Appendix. U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America
and the Caribbean by Account and by Country or
Regional Program: FY2021-FY2023 Request
Table A-1. State Department- and USAID-Managed Foreign Assistance to Latin
America and the Caribbean: FY2021
(millions of current U.S. dollars) (millions of current U.S. dollars)
GHP-
GHP-

DA
ESF
USAID
State
INCLE NADR IMET FMF
Total
Argentina Argentina
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.1 0.1
— —
0.6 0.6
— —
0.7 0.7
Bahamas Bahamas
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.2 0.2
— —
0.2 0.2
Belize Belize
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.3 0.3
1.0 1.0
1.3 1.3
Brazil Brazil
17.0 17.0
— —
— —
1.8 1.8
— —
— —
0.7 0.7
— —
19.5 19.5
Chile Chile
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.5 0.5
— —
0.5 0.5
Colombia Colombia
70.0 70.0
141.0 141.0
2.0 2.0
1.7 1.7
189.0 189.0
21.0 21.0
1.9 1.9
38.5 38.5
465.1 465.1
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 Republic Dominican Republic
5.6 5.6
— —
— —
23.3 23.3
— —
— —
0.5 0.5
— —
29.4 29.4
Ecuador Ecuador
11.5 11.5
— —
— —
— —
7.0 7.0
— —
0.3 0.3
5.0 5.0
23.8 23.8
El Salvador El Salvador
70.0 70.0
— —
— —
8.1 8.1
— —
— —
0.7 0.7
— —
78.8 78.8
Guatemala Guatemala
65.7 65.7
— —
13.0 13.0
18.6 18.6
— —
— —
0.8 0.8
— —
98.0 98.0
Guyana Guyana
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.2 0.2
— —
0.2 0.2
Haiti Haiti
52.0 52.0
— —
24.5 24.5
99.8 99.8
13.0 13.0
— —
0.3 0.3
— —
189.6 189.6
Honduras Honduras
65.0 65.0
— —
— —
8.3 8.3
— —
— —
0.8 0.8
— —
74.0 74.0
Jamaica Jamaica
2.0 2.0
— —
— —
15.5 15.5
— —
— —
0.6 0.6
— —
18.1 18.1
Mexico Mexico
— —
50.0 50.0
— —
— —
100.0 100.0
1.2 1.2
1.8 1.8
6.0 6.0
158.9 158.9
Nicaragua Nicaragua
10.0 10.0
— —
— —
1.6 1.6
— —
— —
— —
— —
11.6 11.6
Panama Panama
— —
— —
— —
8.6 8.6
— —
0.5 0.5
0.7 0.7
2.0 2.0
11.8 11.8
Paraguay Paraguay
4.0 4.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.4 0.4
— —
4.4 4.4
Peru Peru
43.0 43.0
— —
— —
1.9 1.9
39.0 39.0
1.0 1.0
0.6 0.6
— —
85.5 85.5
Suriname Suriname
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.2 0.2
— —
0.2 0.2
Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago
— —
— —
— —
2.6 2.6
— —
— —
0.3 0.3
— —
2.9 2.9
Uruguay Uruguay
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.4 0.4
— —
0.4 0.4
Venezuela Venezuela
— —
33.0 33.0
5.0 5.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
38.0 38.0
Barbados and Barbados and
7.0 7.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.7 0.7
— —
7.7 7.7
Eastern Caribbean Eastern Caribbean
USAID Caribbean USAID Caribbean
13.3 13.3
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
13.3 13.3
Developmen Developmenta
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GHP-
GHP-

DA
ESF
USAID
State
INCLE NADR IMET FMF
Total
USAID Central USAID Central
5.0 5.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
5.0 5.0
Ameri Americaa
USAID South USAID South
15.0 15.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
15.0 15.0
Ameri Americaa
USAID Latin USAID Latin
34.5 34.5
— —
11.0 11.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
45.5 45.5
America and America and
CaribbCaribbeana
State Western State Western
— —
134.5 134.5
— —
3.2 3.2
204.9 204.9
7.4 7.4
— —
16.9 16.9
366.9 366.9
Hemispher Hemispherea
[Caribbean Basin
[——] [32.3]
[——]
[——]
[35.0]
[——]
[——]
[7.5]
[74.8]
Security Initiative]a
Total Total
490.6 378. 490.6 378.5b
55.5 55.5
195.0 195.0
553.0 553.0
31.0 31.0
13.8 13.8
76.9 1,794 76.9 1,794.3b
Source: U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of State, Congressional Budget Justification, Foreign Operations, Appendix 2, Fiscal Year
2023, May 9, 2022. , May 9, 2022.
Notes: These totals do not include any of the assistance made available for Latin America and the Caribbean These totals do not include any of the assistance made available for Latin America and the Caribbean
through supplemental emergency appropriations to respond to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) through supplemental emergency appropriations to respond to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
pandemic. DA = Development Assistance; ESF = Economic Support Fund; FMF = Foreign Military Financing; GHP pandemic. DA = Development Assistance; ESF = Economic Support Fund; FMF = Foreign Military Financing; GHP
= Global Health Programs; IMET = International Military Education and Training; INCLE = International = Global Health Programs; IMET = International Military Education and Training; INCLE = International
Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement; NADR = Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining, and Related Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement; NADR = Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining, and Related
Programs; State = U.S. Department of State; USAID = U.S. Agency for International Development. Programs; State = U.S. Department of State; USAID = U.S. Agency for International Development.
a. USAID and State Department regional programs fund region-wide initiatives as well as activities that cross a. USAID and State Department regional programs fund region-wide initiatives as well as activities that cross
borders or take place in non-presence countries. These regional programs provide the majority of U.S. borders or take place in non-presence countries. These regional programs provide the majority of U.S.
assistance received by some Latin American and Caribbean countries. The Caribbean Basin Security assistance received by some Latin American and Caribbean countries. The Caribbean Basin Security
Initiative is funded through the State Western Hemisphere Regional program. Initiative is funded through the State Western Hemisphere Regional program.
b. This amount does not include an additional $5.0 mil ion of ESF for the region that Congress appropriated in b. This amount does not include an additional $5.0 mil ion of ESF for the region that Congress appropriated in
FY2021 as multilateral assistance through the Organization of American States. FY2021 as multilateral assistance through the Organization of American States.
Table A-2. State Department- and USAID-Managed Foreign Assistance to Latin
America and the Caribbean: FY2022 Estimate
(millions of current U.S. dollars) (millions of current U.S. dollars)
GHP-
GHP-

DA
ESF
USAID
State
INCLE NADR IMET
FMF
Total
Argentina Argentina
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.7 0.7
— —
0.7 0.7
Bahamas Bahamas
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.2 0.2
— —
0.2 0.2
Belize Belize
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.3 0.3
— —
0.3 0.3
Brazil Brazil
25.0 25.0
— —
4.0 4.0
— —
— —
— —
0.8 0.8
— —
29.8 29.8
Chile Chile
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.5 0.5
— —
0.5 0.5
Colombia Colombia
80.0 80.0
141.0 141.0
9.0 9.0
2.9 2.9
189.0 189.0
21.0 21.0
1.9 1.9
40.0 40.0
484.7 484.7
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 Republic Dominican Republic
18.0 18.0
— —
— —
21.3 21.3
— —
— —
0.5 0.5
— —
39.8 39.8
Ecuador Ecuador
27.0 27.0
— —
— —
— —
13.3 13.3
— —
0.3 0.3
5.0 5.0
45.6 45.6
El Salvador El Salvador
84.0 84.0
— —
4.0 4.0
10.3 10.3
— —
— —
0.8 0.8
— —
99.1 99.1
Guatemala Guatemala
85.5 85.5
— —
19.0 19.0
12.6 12.6
— —
— —
0.8 0.8
— —
117.9 117.9
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GHP-
GHP-

DA
ESF
USAID
State
INCLE NADR IMET
FMF
Total
Guyana Guyana
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.2 0.2
— —
0.2 0.2
Haiti Haiti
56.0 56.0
5.5 5.5
24.5 24.5
103.1 103.1
30.0 30.0
— —
0.1 0.1
— —
219.2 219.2
Honduras Honduras
95.0 95.0
— —
5.0 5.0
7.5 7.5
— —
— —
0.8 0.8
— —
108.3 108.3
Jamaica Jamaica
2.0 2.0
— —
4.0 4.0
13.2 13.2
— —
— —
0.6 0.6
— —
19.8 19.8
Mexico Mexico
4.0 4.0
57.8 57.8
— —
— —
64.0 64.0
1.2 1.2
1.3 1.3
— —
128.2 128.2
Nicaragua Nicaragua
15.0 15.0
— —
— —
2.0 2.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
17.0 17.0
Panama Panama
— —
— —
— —
11.3 11.3
— —
0.5 0.5
0.7 0.7
— —
12.5 12.5
Paraguay Paraguay
3.0 3.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.4 0.4
— —
3.4 3.4
Peru Peru
45.7 45.7
— —
6.0 6.0
2.0 2.0
47.8 47.8
1.0 1.0
0.7 0.7
6.0 6.0
109.2 109.2
Suriname Suriname
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.2 0.2
— —
0.2 0.2
Trinidad and Trinidad and
— —
— —
— —
1.4 1.4
— —
— —
0.3 0.3
— —
1.7 1.7
Tobago Tobago
Uruguay Uruguay
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.4 0.4
— —
0.4 0.4
Venezuela Venezuela
— —
40.0 40.0
5.0 5.0
3.6 3.6
— —
— —
— —
— —
48.6 48.6
Barbados and Barbados and
5.0 5.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.7 0.7
— —
5.7 5.7
Eastern Caribbean Eastern Caribbean
USAID Caribbean USAID Caribbean
7.6 7.6
6.5 6.5
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
14.1 14.1
Developmen Developmenta
USAID Central USAID Central
33.0 33.0
2.0 2.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
35.0 35.0
Ameri Americaa
USAID South USAID South
27.0 27.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
27.0 27.0
Ameri Americaa
USAID Latin USAID Latin
43.8 43.8
5.7 5.7
11.0 11.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
60.4 60.4
America and America and
CaribbCaribbeana
State Central State Central
— —
111.0 111.0
— —
— —
155.0 155.0
2.0 2.0
— —
10.0 10.0
278.0 278.0
Ameri Americaa
State Western State Western
— —
43.0 43.0
— —
0.2 0.2
42.4 42.4
6.5 6.5
— —
10.0 10.0
102.0 102.0
Hemispher Hemispherea
[Caribbean Basin
[——] [35.0]
[——]
[——]
[35.0]
[——]
[——] [10.0]
[80.0]
Security Initiative]a
Total Total
656.5 432. 656.5 432.4b
91.5 91.5
191.3 191.3
541.5 541.5
32.1 32.1
13.7 13.7
78.5 2,037. 78.5 2,037.5b
Source: U.S. Department of State, FY2022 estimate data, August 16, 2022. U.S. Department of State, FY2022 estimate data, August 16, 2022.
Notes: DA = Development Assistance; ESF = Economic Support Fund; FMF = Foreign Military Financing; GHP = DA = Development Assistance; ESF = Economic Support Fund; FMF = Foreign Military Financing; GHP =
Global Health Programs; IMET = International Military Education and Training; INCLE = International Narcotics Global Health Programs; IMET = International Military Education and Training; INCLE = International Narcotics
Control and Law Enforcement; NADR = Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining, and Related Programs; Control and Law Enforcement; NADR = Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining, and Related Programs;
State = U.S. Department of State; USAID = U.S. Agency for International Development. State = U.S. Department of State; USAID = U.S. Agency for International Development.
a. USAID and State Department regional programs fund region-wide initiatives as well as activities that cross a. USAID and State Department regional programs fund region-wide initiatives as well as activities that cross
borders or take place in non-presence countries. These regional programs provide the majority of U.S. borders or take place in non-presence countries. These regional programs provide the majority of U.S.
assistance received by some Latin American and Caribbean countries. The Caribbean Basin Security assistance received by some Latin American and Caribbean countries. The Caribbean Basin Security
Initiative is funded through the State Western Hemisphere Regional program. Initiative is funded through the State Western Hemisphere Regional program.
b. This amount does not include an additional $5.0 mil ion of ESF for the region that Congress appropriated in b. This amount does not include an additional $5.0 mil ion of ESF for the region that Congress appropriated in
FY2022 as multilateral assistance through the Organization of American States. FY2022 as multilateral assistance through the Organization of American States.
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Table A-3. State Department- and USAID-Managed Foreign Assistance to Latin
America and the Caribbean: FY2023 Request
(millions of current U.S. dollars) (millions of current U.S. dollars)
GHP-
GHP-

DA
ESF
USAID
State
INCLE NADR IMET FMF Total
Argentina Argentina
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.7 0.7
— —
0.7 0.7
Bahamas Bahamas
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.2 0.2
— —
0.2 0.2
Belize Belize
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.3 0.3
— —
0.3 0.3
Brazil Brazil
35.0 35.0
— —
5.0 5.0
— —
— —
— —
0.8 0.8
— —
40.8 40.8
Chile Chile
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.5 0.5
— —
0.5 0.5
Colombia Colombia
72.0 156.0 72.0 156.0
10.0 10.0
— —
175.0 175.0
10.0 10.0
1.9 1.9
38.0 38.0
462.9 462.9
Costa Rica Costa Rica
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.6 0.6
— —
0.6 0.6
Cuba Cuba
— —
20.0 20.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
20.0 20.0
Dominican Republic Dominican Republic
17.0 17.0
— —
— —
20.0 20.0
— —
— —
0.5 0.5
— —
37.5 37.5
Ecuador Ecuador
16.0 16.0
— —
— —
— —
13.0 13.0
1.0 1.0
0.3 0.3
5.0 5.0
35.3 35.3
El Salvador El Salvador
119.0 119.0
— —
5.0 5.0
— —
— —
— —
0.8 0.8
— —
124.8 124.8
Guatemala Guatemala
138.0 138.0
— —
24.0 24.0
— —
— —
— —
0.8 0.8
— —
162.8 162.8
Guyana Guyana
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.2 0.2
— —
0.2 0.2
Haiti Haiti
111.0 111.0
— —
34.5 34.5
100.0 100.0
29.0 29.0
— —
0.3 0.3
— —
274.8 274.8
Honduras Honduras
126.7 126.7
— —
6.0 6.0
— —
— —
— —
0.8 0.8
— —
133.5 133.5
Jamaica Jamaica
2.0 2.0
— —
5.0 5.0
— —
— —
— —
0.6 0.6
— —
7.6 7.6
Mexico Mexico
— —
75.0 75.0
— —
— —
64.0 64.0
1.0 1.0
1.6 1.6
— —
141.6 141.6
Nicaragua Nicaragua
15.0 15.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
15.0 15.0
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
53.0 53.0
— —
8.0 8.0
— —
46.2 46.2
2.0 2.0
0.7 0.7
— —
109.9 109.9
Suriname Suriname
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.2 0.2
— —
0.2 0.2
Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.3 0.3
— —
0.3 0.3
Uruguay Uruguay
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.4 0.4
— —
0.4 0.4
Venezuela Venezuela
— —
50.0 50.0
5.0 5.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
55.0 55.0
Barbados and Eastern Barbados and Eastern
19.0 19.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
0.7 0.7
— —
19.7 19.7
Caribbean Caribbean
USAID Caribbean USAID Caribbean
12.0 12.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
12.0 12.0
Developmen Developmenta
USAID Central USAID Central
73.1 73.1
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
73.1 73.1
Ameri Americaa
USAID South USAID South
28.0 28.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
28.0 28.0
Ameri Americaa
USAID Latin America USAID Latin America
25.2 25.2
10.0 10.0
11.0 11.0
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
46.2 46.2
and Caribbea and Caribbeana
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

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link to page 23 link to page 23 link to page 23 link to page 23 link to page 23 link to page 23 U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean: FY2023 Appropriations

State Central Ameri State Central Americaa
— —
169.0 169.0
— —
43.6 43.6
219.7 219.7
5.0 5.0
— —
10.5 10.5
447.8 447.8
State Western Hemispher State Western Hemispherea
— —
55.5 55.5
— —
26.4 26.4
36.0 12.6 36.0 12.6
— —
20.0 20.0
150.5 150.5
[Caribbean Basin Security Initiative]a
[——] [27.0]
[——]
[——] [29.0] [——] [——] [7.5]
[63.5]
Total Total
865.9 865.9
535.5 113.5 190.0 535.5 113.5 190.0
582.9 32.1 14.0 582.9 32.1 14.0
73.5 2,407.4 73.5 2,407.4
Source: U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of State, Congressional Budget Justification, Foreign Operations, Appendix 2, Fiscal Year
2023, May 9, 2022. , May 9, 2022.
Notes: DA = Development Assistance; ESF = Economic Support Fund; GHP = Global Health Programs; FMF = DA = Development Assistance; ESF = Economic Support Fund; GHP = Global Health Programs; FMF =
Foreign Military Financing; IMET = International Military Education and Training; INCLE = International Narcotics Foreign Military Financing; IMET = International Military Education and Training; INCLE = International Narcotics
Control and Law Enforcement; NADR = Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining, and Related Programs; Control and Law Enforcement; NADR = Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining, and Related Programs;
State = U.S. Department of State; USAID = U.S. Agency for International Development. State = U.S. Department of State; USAID = U.S. Agency for International Development.
a. USAID and State Department regional programs fund region-wide initiatives as well as activities that cross a. USAID and State Department regional programs fund region-wide initiatives as well as activities that cross
borders or take place in non-presence countries. These regional programs provide the majority of U.S. borders or take place in non-presence countries. These regional programs provide the majority of U.S.
assistance received by some Latin American and Caribbean countries. The Caribbean Basin Security assistance received by some Latin American and Caribbean countries. The Caribbean Basin Security
Initiative is funded through the State Western Hemisphere Regional program. Initiative is funded through the State Western Hemisphere Regional program.

Author Information

Peter J. Meyer Peter J. Meyer

Specialist in Latin American and Canadian Affairs Specialist in Latin American and Canadian Affairs

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