Order Code RL33370
CRS Report for Congress
Received through the CRS Web
Andean Counterdrug Initiative (ACI) and Related
Funding Programs: FY2007 Assistance
April 18, 2006
Connie Veillette
Analyst in Foreign Affairs
Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division
Congressional Research Service ˜ The Library of Congress
Andean Counterdrug Initiative (ACI) and Related
Funding Programs: FY2007 Assistance
Summary
In 2006, Congress will be considering a number of issues relating to the Andean
region and drug trafficking, including continued funding for the Andean Counterdrug
Initiative (ACI) and conditions on U.S. assistance. In addition to ACI, Andean
countries benefit from Foreign Military Financing (FMF), International Military
Education and Training (IMET) funds, and other types of economic aid. Congress
continues to express concern with the volume of drugs readily available in the United
States and elsewhere in the world. The three largest producers of cocaine are
Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru. Ninety percent of the cocaine in the United States
originates in, or passes through, Colombia.
The United States has made a significant commitment of funds and material
support to help Colombia and the Andean region fight drug trafficking since the
development of Plan Colombia in 1999. From FY2000 through FY2006, the United
States provided a total of about $5 billion for the region in ACI funds. The United
States also provides funding for Development Assistance (DA), Child Survival and
Health (CSH), and Economic Support Funds (ESF) to some countries in the region.
The Defense Department maintains a central counternarcotics account that funds
activities in Latin America. Since 2002, Congress has granted expanded authority
to use counternarcotics funds for a unified campaign to fight both drug trafficking
and terrorist organizations in Colombia. Three illegally armed groups in Colombia
that participate in drug production and trafficking have been designated foreign
terrorist organizations by the State Department. In 2004, Congress also increased the
level of U.S. military and civilian contractor personnel allowed to be deployed in
Colombia, in response to an Administration request.
The FY2007 budget request, submitted to Congress on February 6, 2006,
includes a total of $721.5 million for ACI. For FY2006, Congress approved the
Administration’s request for $734.5 million in the Foreign Operations Appropriations
Act (H.R. 3057/P.L. 109-102), although a 1% across-the-board rescission reduced it
to $727.2 million. The Administration’s Supplemental request for FY2006 did not
include any funds for the Andean region. However, an amendment on the House
floor (H.R. 4939) added $26.3 million for drug interdiction aircraft in Colombia.
In 2005, the House passed a Foreign Relations Authorization Act (H.R. 2601)
with several provisions relating to Colombia. The Senate did not finish consideration
of its version (S. 600). The FY2006 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 1815,
P.L. 109-163) authorized funds for Defense Department interdiction activities.
This report will be updated. For further information, see CRS Report RL32774,
Plan Colombia: A Progress Report; CRS Report RL32250, Colombia: Issues for
Congress; and CRS Report RL33253, Andean Counterdrug Initiative (ACI) and
Related Funding Programs: FY2006 Assistance, all by Connie Veillette.
Contents
Andean Counterdrug Initiative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
FY2007 Funding Request . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Foreign Military Financing (FMF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
International Military Education and Training (IMET) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Defense Department Counternarcotics Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
U.S. Counternarcotics Assistance By Country . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Colombia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Peru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Bolivia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Ecuador . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Brazil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Venezuela . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Panama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Congressional Conditions on Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Expanded Authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Personnel Caps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Helicopters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Colombian Human Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Funding Earmarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Aerial Fumigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Prohibition on Participation in Combat Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Bolivian Human Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Demobilization of Illegally Armed Groups in Colombia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Maritime Refueling Vessel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Major Legislative Activity in the 109th Congress, Second Session . . . . . . . . . . . 20
FY2007 Foreign Operations Appropriations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
FY2006 Supplemental Appropriations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Major Legislative Activity in the 109th Congress, First Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
FY2006 Foreign Operations Appropriations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Foreign Relations Authorization Act, FY2006 and FY2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
National Defense Authorization Act, FY2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Appendix B. Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
List of Tables
Table 1. Andean Counterdrug Initiative, FY2007Administration Request . . . . . 3
Table 2. FY2006 ACI Funding Estimates and FY2007 Request . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Table 3. U.S. Counternarcotics Assistance to Colombia, FY2000-FY2007 . . . . . 7
Table 4. U.S. Counternarcotics Assistance to Peru, FY2000-FY2007 . . . . . . . . . 9
Table 5. U.S. Counternarcotics Assistance to Bolivia, FY2000-FY2007 . . . . . . 10
Table 6. U.S. Counternarcotics Assistance to Ecuador, FY2000-FY2007 . . . . . 12
Table 7. U.S. Counternarcotics Assistance to Brazil, FY2000-FY2007 . . . . . . . 13
Table 8. U.S. Counternarcotics Assistance to Venezuela, FY2000-FY2007 . . . 14
Table 9. U.S. Counternarcotics Assistance to Panama, FY2000-FY2007 . . . . . 15
Andean Counterdrug Initiative (ACI) and
Related Funding Programs:
FY2007 Assistance
In 2006, Congress will be considering a number of issues relating to the Andean
Counterdrug Initiative, the U.S. assistance program to help Colombia and its
neighbors address drug trafficking and economic development issues.1 These issues
include ongoing concerns with the effectiveness of the program, funding levels,
human rights, and the future of the program. The region has been viewed as
particularly important because it produces virtually all of the world’s cocaine and
increasing amounts of high quality heroin. It is estimated that 90% of the cocaine
coming to the United States originates in, or passes through, Colombia. Moreover,
the stability of Colombia and the region is threatened by Colombia’s longstanding
leftist guerrilla insurgency and rightist paramilitary groups, which are believed to be
largely funded by their participation in illegal narcotics production and trafficking.
The Andean Counterdrug Initiative is the primary U.S. program that supports
Plan Colombia, a six year plan developed in 1999 by President Andres Pastrana
(1998-2002) of Colombia, and continued by current President Alvaro Uribe. The six-
year plan has ostensibly ended, although the same level and types of activities are
continuing. The Colombian government is reportedly developing a follow-on plan,
Plan Colombia Consolidation Phase (PCCP), that would include support for the
demobilization of rightist paramilitary groups.
Although ACI is the primary program, it is not the only one supporting
counternarcotics and economic development in the Andean region. Countries in the
region also receive Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and International Military
Education and Training (IMET). The Department of Defense supports drug
interdiction operations from its own counternarcotics account. In addition, the
United States provides economic development aid from Development Assistance
(DA), Child Survival and Health (CSH), and Economic Support Funds (ESF)
accounts.2 These programs are not considered part of the Andean Counterdrug
Initiative, although they support many programs which are tangentially related, such
as poverty reduction and infrastructure improvements.
1 For earlier action, see CRS Report RL32337, Andean Counterdrug Initiative (ACI) and
Related Funding Programs: FY2005 Assistance, and CRS Report RL33253, Andean
Counterdrug Initiative (ACI) and Related Funding Programs: FY2006 Assistance, both by
Connie Veillette.
2 For more information on economic development programs in Latin America, see CRS
Report RL32487, U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean, coordinated
by Connie Veillette.
CRS-2
Andean Counterdrug Initiative
The Andean Counterdrug Initiative was designed to provide assistance to seven
countries in the broadly defined Andean region: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador,
Panama, Peru, and Venezuela.3 The region is important to U.S. drug policy because
it includes three major drug producing countries (Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru) where
virtually all the world’s cocaine and significant quantities of high quality heroin
destined for the United States are produced. U.S. objectives for the ACI program are
to eliminate the cultivation and production of cocaine and opium, build law
enforcement infrastructure, arrest and prosecute traffickers, and seize their assets.
The region also includes two major oil producing countries (Venezuela and
Ecuador), members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC),
which supply significant quantities of oil to the United States. For the five traditional
Andean countries (Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia), the Andes
mountain range that runs through South America poses geographical obstacles to
intra-state and inter-state integration, even though the countries are linked together
in the Andean Community economic integration pact.
U.S. support for Plan Colombia began in 2000, when Congress passed
legislation providing $1.3 billion in interdiction and development assistance (P.L.
106-246) for Colombia and six regional neighbors. Funding for ACI from FY2000
through FY2006 totals about $5 billion. ACI is managed by the State Department’s
Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). Some ACI
funds are transferred to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for
alternative development programs.
ACI funds are divided between programs that support eradication or interdiction
efforts and those focused on alternative crop development and democratic institution
building. On the interdiction side, programs train and support national police and
military forces, provide communications and intelligence systems, support the
maintenance and operations of host country aerial eradication aircraft, and improve
infrastructure related to counternarcotics activities. On the alternative development
side, funds support development programs in coca growing areas, including
infrastructure development, and marketing and technical support for alternative
crops. They also support programs assisting internally displaced persons, promoting
the rule of law, and expanding judicial capabilities.
ACI also funds the Air Bridge Denial Program that is currently operational in
Colombia, and temporarily suspended in Peru, after an accidental shooting down of
a civilian aircraft carrying U.S. missionaries in 2001. After the incident, in which
two Americans died, the program in both countries was suspended until enhanced
safeguards were developed. The program in Colombia resumed in August 2003. The
program supports an aircraft fleet, pilot training, and logistical and intelligence
support. The program tracks aircraft suspected of being involved in drug trafficking,
3 Panama and Brazil are not considered Andean countries, but are included in ACI because
they each share borders with Colombia. Bolivia is an Andean country but does not share
a border with Colombia.
CRS-3
and forces them to land for inspection. If an aircraft is repeatedly unresponsive, it
may be shot down, at the direction of the commander of the Colombian Air Force.
The resumption of a program in Peru is still pending the development of safety
enhancements.
FY2007 Funding Request
The Administration has requested a total of $721.5 million for FY2007 for the
Andean Counterdrug Initiative, a slight reduction from FY2006.4 Included as part
of the request is $65.7 million for a Critical Flight Safety (CFS) Program, a multi-
year effort to upgrade and refurbish State Department aircraft used for eradication
and interdiction missions. FY2006 was the first year for which funds were requested
for this function. Congress appropriated $30 million instead of the requested $40
million. In previous years, the Air Bridge Denial (ABD) Program was a separate
line item in the request and appropriation. This year, funding for the program is
included in the allocation for Colombia. In the two previous fiscal years, Congress
cut funding for ABD from its request of $21 million, providing $11 million in
FY2005 and $13.8 million in FY2006.
Table 1. Andean Counterdrug Initiative,
FY2007Administration Request
(in millions $)
Country
Interdiction
Alt. Dev.
Total
Colombia
313.85
151.15a
465.00
Peru
56.00
42.50
98.50
Bolivia
35.00
31.00
66.00
Brazil
4.00
—
4.00
Ecuador
8.90
8.40
17.30
Panama
4.00
—
4.00
Venezuela
1.00
—
1.00
Air Bridge Denial b
—
—
0.00
Critical Flight Safety
65.70
—
65.70
Total
488.45
233.05
721.50
a. Alternative development includes $26.15 million for rule of law programs.
b. Air Bridge Denial funds are included in the request for Colombia in FY2007.
From year to year, the ACI allocation for Colombia has remained relatively
stable, and the FY2007 request is level with previous years. For FY2007, the
4 Although Congress appropriated $734.5 million for FY2006, a 1% rescission reduced the
amount to $727.2 million.
CRS-4
Administration is proposing to fund the Air Bridge Denial from the Colombia
allocation, since the program is only operational there. The State Department
maintains that this will not result in less funding for other Colombia programs, as
previous costs related to critical flight safety are proposed to be funded in the CFS
program.
Table 2. FY2006 ACI Funding Estimates and FY2007 Request
(in millions $)
FY2006
FY2007
Country
Estimate
Request
Colombia
464.78
465.00
Peru
106.92
98.50
Bolivia
79.20
66.00
Brazil
5.94
4.00
Ecuador
19.80
17.30
Panama
4.46
4.00
Venezuela
2.23
1.00
Air Bridge Denial
13.86
—
Critical Flight Safety
29.97
65.70
Total
727.16
721.50
Related Funding Programs
Additional funding for the Andean region is provided through the Foreign
Military Financing (FMF) program and the International Military Education and
Training (IMET) program, both managed by the State Department. Recipients are
subject to an aid cutoff if they have not signed so-called Article 98 agreements with
the United States. Such agreements, referring to Article 98 of the Rome Treaty on
the International Criminal Court, prevent the International Criminal Court from
proceeding with a request for the surrender of U.S. personnel present in the country.
These agreements are required under the American Services Members Protection Act
of 2002, that was incorporated as Title II of H.R. 4775, the FY2002 Supplemental
Appropriations Act (P.L. 107-206).5 The President may waive the law if it is in the
national interest. Colombia, the major recipient of military assistance in Latin
America, has signed an agreement. Others, such as Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru,
5 Section 574 of both the FY2005 and FY2006 Foreign Operations Appropriation acts
extends the provision of law to include Economic Support Funds. For more information, see
CRS Report RL33337, Article 98 Agreements and Sanctions on U.S. Foreign Aid to Latin
America, by Clare Ribando.
CRS-5
and Venezuela, have not, and could see their assistance withheld. Counternarcotics
funds are not affected.
In addition to State Department programs, the Defense Department has a
counternarcotics account for worldwide programs involving interdiction, training,
equipment, and intelligence sharing. In the Western Hemisphere, these programs are
managed by the U.S. Army Southern Command.
Foreign Military Financing (FMF)
Foreign Military Financing (FMF) provides funding grants to foreign nations to
purchase U.S. defense equipment, services, and training. The program’s objectives
are to assist key allies to improve their defense capabilities, to strengthen military
relationships between the United States and FMF recipients, and to promote the
professionalism of military forces in friendly countries. FMF is provided to
Colombia and the Andean region to support the efforts of those nations to establish
and strengthen national authority in remote areas that have been used by leftist
guerrilla organizations, rightist paramilitaries, and narcotics traffickers. A portion
of FMF funding in Fiscal Years 2002 and 2003 went for infrastructure protection of
oil pipelines in Colombia.
The FY2006 estimate for the Andean region is $91.8 million, with $89 million
for Colombia. The FY2007 request is $90.85 million for the region, with Colombia
proposed to receive $90 million, mainly to support Colombia’s efforts to establish
and strengthen national authority over remote areas that are used by terrorists and that
support narcotics trafficking. Funds would be used to provide interdiction boats,
additional combat aircraft, training and infrastructure improvements, and
maintenance and operation of the Colombian military’s helicopter program. Funds
would also be used to support Colombia’s interdiction capabilities, intelligence
sharing, and communications.
International Military Education and Training (IMET)
The IMET program provides training on a grant basis to students from allied and
friendly nations. Its objectives are to improve defense capabilities, develop
professional and personal relationships between U.S. and foreign militaries, and
influence these forces in support of democratic governance. Training focuses on the
manner in which military organizations function under civilian control, civil-military
relations, military justice systems, military doctrine, strategic planning, and
operational procedures. IMET funding for the Andean region was estimated at $3.4
million in FY2006 out of a total of $13.4 million for all of Latin America. The
request for FY2007 for the Andean countries is $2.5 million out of a hemisphere-
wide total $12.6 million. The request for Colombia is $1.7 million and would focus
on civil-military issues for junior and mid-grade military officers, with an emphasis
on human rights.
CRS-6
Defense Department Counternarcotics Account
The Department of Defense has authority for counternarcotics detection and
monitoring under Sections 124, 1004, and 1033 of the National Defense
Authorization Act. DOD requests a lump sum for counternarcotics programs
worldwide and does not request amounts by country. The allocation for FY2005
DOD counternarcotics funding for Latin America was $366.9 million, of which up
to $200 million was for Colombia.
For FY2006, DOD requested a total of $896 million globally for
counternarcotics programs, of which it estimated spending $368 million in Latin
America. Of this amount, $122 million would be in direct support of Colombia.
Activities include detection and monitoring operations to assist U.S. law enforcement
agencies interdict drug trafficking. In the Andean region, support is provided in the
form of training, equipment, and intelligence sharing activities. Requested levels for
FY2007 are not yet available.
U.S. Counternarcotics Assistance By Country
Colombia6
Colombia receives the single largest portion of ACI funds. For FY2007, the
Administration has requested $465 million, of which $313.9 million would be for
interdiction and eradication efforts, $125 million for alternative development and
institution building programs, and $26.2 million for rule of law programs.
Interdiction funds would support the Colombian military’s aviation program and drug
units with training, logistics support, operating expenses, equipment, and to upgrade
forward operating locations. Assistance would also be used to support Colombian
National Police aviation, eradication and interdiction programs with equipment,
logistical support, training, new base construction, communications and information
links. Alternative development programs would support the introduction of new licit
crops, the development of agribusiness and forestry activities, and the development
of local and international markets for new products. Rule of law assistance would
help promote democracy through judicial reform, support for vulnerable groups, and
training and technical assistance for advisors in rule of law areas.
In the FY2006 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act, Congress provided a
total of $469.5 million for Colombia, divided among $310.9 million for interdiction,
$131.2 million for alternative development, and $27.4 million for rule of law
programs. The amount for alternative development represents a $6.5 million increase
from FY2005 levels. Colombia also receives small amounts of Non-proliferation,
Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs (NADR), that in FY2007, would be
used to address arms trafficking across Colombian borders.
6 For more information on Colombia, see CRS Report RL32250, Colombia: Issues for
Congress, and CRS Report RL32774, Plan Colombia: A Progress Report, both by Connie
Veillette.
CRS-7
Colombia’s spacious and rugged territory, whose western half is transversed by
three parallel mountain ranges, provides ample isolated terrain for drug cultivation
and processing, and contributes to the government’s difficulty in exerting control
throughout the nation. The country is known for a long tradition of democracy, but
also for continuing violence, including a guerrilla insurgency dating back to the
1960s, and persistent drug trafficking activity. Recent administrations have had to
deal with a complicated mix of leftist guerrillas, rightist paramilitaries (or “self-
defense” forces), and independent drug trafficking cartels. The two main leftist
guerrilla groups are the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the
National Liberation Army (ELN). The rightist paramilitaries are coordinated by the
United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC). All three groups participate in drug
production and trafficking, regularly kidnap individuals for ransom, and have been
accused of gross human rights abuses. The three have been designated foreign
terrorist organizations by the United States. The AUC and Colombian military have
been accused of collaborating in fighting the FARC and ELN.
Table 3. U.S. Counternarcotics Assistance to Colombia,
FY2000-FY2007
(in millions $)
ACI
FMF
IMET
NADR
DOD
Total
Interdict.
Alt. Dev.
FY2000
686.40
208.00
—
0.90
—
229.20
1124.50
FY2001
48.00
—
—
1.00
—
190.20
239.20
FY2002
243.50
136.40
—
1.20
25.00
119.10
525.20
FY2003
412.00
168.20
17.10
1.20
3.30
165.00
766.80
FY2004
324.60
159.30
98.50
1.70
0.20
122.00
706.30
FY2005
310.70
152.10
99.20
1.70
5.10
200.00
767.80
FY2006
307.70
157.00
89.10
1.70
5.80
122.00
687.30
FY2007
313.90
151.20
90.00
1.70
3.84
na
560.64
Total
2,646.80
1,132.20
393.90
10.20
43.24
1,147.50
5,377.74
Sources: Figures are drawn from the annual State Department and USAID Congressional Budget
Justifications for fiscal years 2002 through 2007, and congressional testimony.
Note: FY2006 figures differ from those appropriated by Congress because of a 1% rescission that
Congress included in the FY2006 Defense Appropriations Act (P.L. 109-148). Figures for DOD
support are not yet available.
Peru
Peru is the second largest recipient of ACI funding with $98.5 million requested
for FY2007. This represent a reduction from $106.9 million in FY2006. ACI
funding would be split between $56 million for interdiction and $42.5 million for
CRS-8
alternative development and institution building. Interdiction funds would focus on
improving Peruvian airlift operations, using U.S.-owned assets, determining the
extent of coca cultivation in the country, demand reduction and money laundering
programs. Alternative development funds would rehabilitate roads, bridges, schools
and health care access, land reform, and agri-business.
Peru shares its northern border with Colombia, and is the second largest cocaine
producer in the world. It exports high purity cocaine and cocaine base to markets in
South America, Mexico, Europe, and the United States. Nevertheless, Peru has been
viewed as a success story in counternarcotics efforts because joint U.S.-Peru air and
riverine interdiction operations, aggressive eradication efforts, and alternative
development programs have significantly reduced coca production. Facing mounting
protests, the Peruvian government temporarily suspended the eradication program in
the Upper Huallaga Valley in early July 2002, but resumed the program in September
2002 once concerns were addressed, in part to be eligible for Andean Trade
Preference Act benefits.
Counternarcotics policy in Peru has faced growing resistance from indigenous
communities that view coca leaf cultivation as a cultural right and source of income.
A 2004 Peruvian study found that approximately two million people use coca leaf
either habitually or occasionally, and another two million use it for tea, or for
traditional or ceremonial purposes. Some regions have attempted to de-criminalize
coca growing, a move that the President Toledo government has resisted. With
Toledo’s low popularity and growing discontent in coca growing regions, some
observers believe the government is unwilling to take on the increasingly assertive
coca growers.7 Upcoming presidential elections scheduled for April 9, 2006, and the
popularity of presidential candidate, Ollanta Humala, who has expressed his
dissatisfaction with U.S. policy, could complicate the situation.
7 “Police Clashes and Vacillation Threaten the ‘War on Drugs’ in the Andes,” Latinnews
Security and Strategic Review, July 2005.
CRS-9
Table 4. U.S. Counternarcotics Assistance to Peru,
FY2000-FY2007
(in millions $)
ACI
Interdict.
Alt. Dev.
FMF
IMET
Total
FY2000
55.00
25.00
—
0.50
80.50
FY2001
21.00
27.00
—
0.50
48.50
FY2002
75.00
67.50
—
0.50
143.00
FY2003
59.50
68.60
1.00
0.60
129.70
FY2004
66.30
49.70
—
—
116.00
FY2005
61.50
53.90
—
—
115.40
FY2006
58.40
48.50
0.20
0.05
108.40
FY2007
56.00
42.50
0.03
0.05
98.58
Total
452.70
382.70
1.23
2.20
840.08
Sources: Figures are drawn from the annual State Department and USAID
Congressional Budget Justifications for fiscal years 2002 through 2007.
Bolivia8
For FY2007, the Administration proposes spending $66 million in Bolivia, a
reduction from $79.2 million in FY2006. The requested amount would be divided
between $35.0 million for interdiction and $31.0 million for alternative development
and institution building. Interdiction funds would be used to identify and eradicate
illegal crops, and to disrupt trafficking operations. Alternative development would
continue support for the production of licit crops, and establish integrated justice
centers in conflictive regions.
Landlocked Bolivia shares no border with Colombia, but Bolivia’s significant
gains in reducing illegal coca production could be threatened by any successes in
controlling production in Colombia. At one time the world’s foremost producer of
coca leaf, Bolivia made great strides in reducing coca cultivation under the Banzer-
Quiroga administration (1997-2002).9 However, forcible eradication of coca has
8 For more information on Bolivia, see CRS Report RL32580, Bolivia: Political and
Economic Developments and Implications for U.S. Policy, by Clare Ribando and Connie
Veillette.
9 President Jorge Quiroga assumed the presidency on August 7, 2001, when President Hugo
Banzer, whom he had served as vice president, resigned because of illness. Quiroga could
not, by law, subsequently run for election.
CRS-10
become a source of social discontent, exacerbating tensions over class and ethnicity
that may foment political instability in Latin America’s poorest country.
For some 20 years, U.S. relations with Bolivia have centered largely on
controlling the production of coca leaf and coca paste, which was usually shipped to
Colombia to be processed into cocaine. In support of Bolivia’s counternarcotics
efforts, the United States has provided significant interdiction and alternative
development assistance, and it has forgiven all of Bolivia’s debt for development
assistance projects, and most of the debt for food assistance. There has been growing
public opposition to Bolivia’s counternarcotics policy that has served to fuel to
popular discontent that has contributed to political instability. Some critics believe
that U.S. policy supporting forced drug crop eradication is contributing to popular
support for left-of-center opposition political figures. Coca growers (cocaleros) have
organized themselves in legally recognized labor unions, and have formed a political
party, Movement Toward Socialism (MAS). The MAS presidential candidate, Evo
Morales, won the presidency in December 2005. Considering Morales’ comments
critical of U.S. counternarcotics policy in the region, the future of U.S.-Bolivian
relations is unclear.
Table 5. U.S. Counternarcotics Assistance to Bolivia,
FY2000-FY2007
(in millions $)
ACI
Interdict.
Alt. Dev.
FMF
IMET
Total
FY2000
57.00
101.00
—
0.50
158.50
FY2001
32.00
20.00
—
0.70
52.70
FY2002
48.00
39.60
2.00
0.70
90.30
FY2003
49.00
41.70
2.00
0.80
93.50
FY2004
49.20
41.80
4.00
0.60
95.60
FY2005
48.60
41.70
—
—
90.30
FY2006
42.60
36.60
1.00
0.80
81.00
FY2007
35.00
31.00
0.03
0.05
66.08
Total
361.40
353.40
9.03
4.15
727.98
Sources: Figures are drawn from the annual State Department and USAID
Congressional Budget Justifications for fiscal years 2002 through 2007.
CRS-11
Ecuador10
Ecuador is the fourth largest recipient of ACI funds, with $17.3 million
requested for FY2007. This represents a reduction from nearly $20 million in
FY2006. Funds would be divided between $8.9 million for interdiction and $8.4
million for alternative development and institution building. The objective of
assistance to Ecuador is to stop or prevent any spillover of drug trafficking and
guerrilla activities from Colombia, and to stop the transit of drugs destined for the
United States.
On Colombia’s southern border, Ecuador is the most exposed of Colombia’s
neighbors to the influx of drugs and guerrillas, being situated adjacent to areas in
southern Colombia that are guerrilla strongholds and heavy drug producing areas.
As a major transit country for cocaine and heroin from Colombia and Peru, Ecuador
cooperates extensively with the United States in counternarcotics efforts.
Nonetheless, the State Department reports that weak public institutions, the uneven
implementation of new criminal proceedings, and widespread corruption limit the
country’s ability to counter drug trafficking. In 2004, the Ecuadoran government
published a new national drug strategy and implementation plan, with a focus on
strengthening institutions and drug trafficking laws, and providing more resources
for its drug agency, the National Drug Council. In November 1999, the United States
signed a 10-year agreement with Ecuador for a forward operating location (FOL) in
Manta, on the Pacific Coast, for U.S. aerial counterdrug detection and monitoring
operations.
According to press reports, Colombian guerrillas pass into Ecuadoran territory
for rest, recuperation, and medical treatment, and FARC camps have been detected
in Ecuador’s northern province of Sucumbios, where barrracks, ammunition,
explosives and radio equipment were reportedly found.11 The Ecuadoran border
region is experiencing a constant flow of Colombian refugees, and fighters with
Colombian paramilitary organizations have been arrested for running extortion rings
in Ecuadorian border regions. Ecuadoran officials have complained that the armed
conflict and drug trafficking in Colombia is having an adverse affect on Ecuadoran
peasants in border areas, and that the aerial fumigation in Colombia is harming the
Ecuadoran environment and negatively affecting Ecuadorans’ health.12
10 For more information on Ecuador, see CRS Report RS21687, Ecuador: Political and
Economic Situation and U.S. Relations, by Clare Ribando.
11 “Anti-Colombian Sentiment on the Rise in Ecuador,” BBC Monitoring Americas, October
10, 2005; “Special Report - Latin America and U.S. War on Terror: Spillover From
Colombia,” Latin American Newsletters, May 2003; “Colombian FARC Guerrilla Base
Discovered in Ecuador,” EFE News Service, November 21, 2003.
12 “Ecuador: Fumigation Compensation Demanded,” Latinnews Daily, July 19, 2005;
“Ecuador Concerned by Colombia’s Herbicide Use,” Latinnews Daily, September 19, 2005;
and “Ecuador’s Gutierrez Says Colombian Conflict Moving Beyond Its Borders,” BBC
Monitoring Americas Report, June 30, 2003.
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Table 6. U.S. Counternarcotics Assistance to Ecuador,
FY2000-FY2007
(in millions $)
ACI
Interdict.
Alt. Dev.
FMF
IMET
Total
FY2000
13.20
8.00
—
0.50
21.70
FY2001
2.20
—
—
0.60
2.80
FY2002
15.00
10.00
—
0.60
25.60
FY2003
15.00
15.90
1.00
0.60
32.50
FY2004
20.00
15.00
—
—
35.00
FY2005
10.90
14.90
—
—
25.80
FY2006
8.40
11.40
0.50
0.05
20.35
FY2007
8.90
8.40
0.25
0.05
17.60
Total
93.60
83.60
1.75
2.40
181.35
Sources: Figures are drawn from the annual State Department and USAID Congressional
Budget Justifications for fiscal years 2002 through 2007.
Brazil
FY2007 ACI funds requested for Brazil total $4 million mainly for interdiction
and law enforcement activities. The goal is to prevent any spillover effect from
Colombia. Brazil’s isolated Amazon region, populated largely by indigenous groups,
forms Colombia’s southeastern border. Brazil is not a significant drug-producing
country, but it is a conduit for the transit of coca paste and cocaine from Colombia
to Europe and the United States. It is also becoming a final destination, with marked
increases in crack cocaine and heroin abuse.
Brazil passed an omnibus federal counternarcotics law in 2002, and adopted a
new national strategy to deal with money laundering in 2004. Also in 2004, Brazil
began implementing a 1998 shoot-down law, in which the Air Force has the authority
to use lethal force against civilian aircraft reasonably suspected to be engaged in drug
trafficking. Brazilians have long been concerned about the sparsely populated
territory in the huge Amazon region, and they have been fearful historically of
foreign intervention in this territory. In an effort to exercise control over this vast
territory, Brazil has constructed a $1.4 billion sensor and radar project called the
Amazon Vigilance System (SIVAM from its acronym in Portuguese), offering to
share data from this system with neighbors and the United States. It has established
a military base at Tabatinga, with 25,000 soldiers and policemen, with air force and
navy support. In 2000, it launched COBRA, an inter-agency border security program
to deal with spillover drug crime from Colombia. In 2003, Brazil expanded
COBRA-like programs to its northern borders with Peru, Venezuela, and Bolivia.
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The programs focus on controlling land and air entry into Brazil and are
headquartered at Tabatinga.
Table 7. U.S. Counternarcotics Assistance to Brazil,
FY2000-FY2007
(in millions $)
ACI
Interdict.
Alt. Dev.
IMET
Total
FY2000
5.00
—
0.20
5.20
FY2001
2.00
—
0.30
2.30
FY2002
6.00
—
0.40
6.40
FY2003
6.00
—
0.50
6.50
FY2004
10.20
—
—
10.20
FY2005
8.90
—
—
8.90
FY2006
5.90
—
0.05
5.95
FY2007
4.00
—
0.05
4.05
Total
48.00
0.00
1.50
49.50
Sources: Figures are drawn from the annual State Department and USAID
Budget Justifications for fiscal years 2002 through 2007. Brazil did not
receive FMF during this time period.
Venezuela13
The Administration proposes spending $1 million in FY2007 counternarcotics
assistance to Venezuela largely for interdiction and law enforcement purposes, a
reduction from $2.2 million in FY2006. Because of Venezuela’s extensive 1,370-
mile border with Colombia, it is a major transit route for cocaine and heroin destined
for the United States.
According to the Department of State’s March 2006 International Narcotics
Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Venezuela, a transit country for drugs from
Colombia, has “rampant corruption at the highest levels of law enforcement and a
weak judicial system.” Despite political tensions in U.S.-Venezuelan relations, there
has been continuing cooperation with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in
seizing approximately 30 metric tons of cocaine in the first eight months of 2005.
On September 15, 2005, President Bush designated Venezuela, pursuant to
international drug control certification procedures set forth in the Foreign Relations
13 For more information on Venezuela, see CRS Report RL32488, Venezuela: Political
Conditions and U.S. Policy, by Mark Sullivan.
CRS-14
Authorization Act, FY2003 (P.L. 107-228), as one of two countries that has failed
demonstrably to adhere to its obligations under international narcotics agreements.
At the same time, the President waived economic sanctions that would have curtailed
U.S. assistance for democracy programs in Venezuela, and ACI funding will not be
affected. The justification noted that despite Venezuela’s increase in drug seizures
over the past four years, Venezuela has not addressed the increasing use of
Venezuelan territory to transport drugs to the United States. The action was taken
in the aftermath of Venezuela’s August 2005 decision to suspend its cooperation with
the DEA. Since then, the United States and Venezuela have been in discussions to
get bilateral counternarcotics cooperation back on track. Press reports in January
2006 maintained that both countries had approved a new anti-drug cooperation
agreement, but U.S. officials maintain that the agreement is still under review.
Table 8. U.S. Counternarcotics Assistance to Venezuela,
FY2000-FY2007
(in millions $)
ACI
Interdict.
Alt. Dev.
IMET
Total
FY2000
4.20
—
0.40
4.60
FY2001
1.20
—
0.40
1.60
FY2002
5.00
—
0.50
5.50
FY2003
2.10
—
0.70
2.80
FY2004
5.00
—
—
5.00
FY2005
2.98
—
—
2.98
FY2006
2.23
—
—
2.23
FY2007
1.00
—
0.05
1.05
Total
23.71
0.00
2.05
25.76
Sources: Figures are drawn from the annual State Department and USAID
Budget Justifications for fiscal years 2002 through 2007. Venezuela did not
receive FMF during this period.
Panama14
For FY2007, the Administration has requested $4 million for counternarcotics
programs to assist Panama. Because of its geographic location bordering Colombia
at the crossroads of North and South America, its largely unguarded coastline, and
its well-developed transportation, banking, trade and financial sectors, Panama is a
major transit route for illicit drugs and an attractive site for money laundering. The
14 For more information on Panama, see CRS Report RL30981, Panama: Political and
Economic Conditions and U.S. Relations, by Mark Sullivan.
CRS-15
country is on the President’s list of major drug transit countries and has been on the
State Department’s list of “countries of primary concern” for money laundering for
the past three years. Drug traffickers use fishing vessels, cargo ships, small aircraft,
and speed boats to move illicit drugs — primarily cocaine, but also heroin and
Ecstasy — through Panama.
According to the Department of State, security in Panama’s Darien region
bordering Colombia has improved in recent years, although the smuggling of
weapons and drugs across the border continues. Drugs and arms trade associated
with Colombian terrorist groups also reportedly occurs in other parts of Panamanian
territory and in the country’s coastal waters, according to the U.S. DEA.15 According
to the Department of State’s International Narcotics Control Strategy Report,
Panama’s cooperation with the United States on counternarcotics efforts is excellent,
although the country’s difficult fiscal situation has impeded Panama’s law
enforcement ability. For this reason, the Department of State maintains that U.S.
assistance is critical in ensuring effective Panamanian law enforcement.
Table 9. U.S. Counternarcotics Assistance to Panama,
FY2000-FY2007
(in millions $)
ACI
Interdict.
Alt. Dev.
FMF
IMET
Total
FY2000
5.00
—
—
0.10
5.10
FY2001
1.00
—
—
0.20
1.20
FY2002
5.00
—
—
0.20
5.20
FY2003
4.50
—
1.00
0.20
5.70
FY2004
6.50
—
2.00
0.60
9.10
FY2005
5.95
—
0.99
0.96
7.90
FY2006
4.46
—
0.99
0.79
6.24
FY2007
4.00
—
0.78
0.65
5.43
Total
36.41
0.00
5.76
3.70
45.87
Sources: Figures are drawn from the annual State Department and USAID Budget
Justifications for fiscal years 2002 through 2007.
Congressional Conditions on Assistance
Since first approving expanded assistance to Colombia for counternarcotics
programs in 2000, Congress has included a number of conditions on U.S. assistance
in both authorization and appropriations legislation. The most recently enacted
funding legislation is the FY2006 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act (H.R.
3057, P.L. 109-102), which included a number of longstanding provisions relating
15 U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, “Panama: Country Brief,” May 2005, p. 12.
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to the Andean Counterdrug Initiative. The FY2005 National Defense Authorization
Act (H.R. 4200, P.L.108-375) also included provisions relating to Colombia. The
FY2006 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 1815, P.L. 109-163) authorized
funding for Department of Defense drug interdiction activities.
Expanded Authority
Both the FY2006 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act and the FY2005
National Defense Authorization, maintain language, first approved by Congress in
2002, authorizing support for a unified campaign against narcotics trafficking and
activities by organizations designated as terrorist organizations. Appropriations report
language notes that counternarcotics, alternative development, and judicial reform
should remain the principal focus of U.S. policy in Colombia. This authority shall
cease if the Secretary of State has credible evidence that the Colombian Armed
Forces are not vigorously attempting to restore government authority and respect for
human rights in areas under the effective control of paramilitary and guerrilla
organizations.
Personnel Caps
The FY2005 National Defense Authorization Act changed existing law with
regard to the cap on the number of U.S. military and civilian contractors that can be
deployed in Colombia in support of Plan Colombia. The cap on military personnel
was raised from 400 to 800, and for civilian contractors, from 400 to 600. As of
September 30, 2005, there were 359 U.S. military, and 365 U.S. contractors in
Colombia in support of Plan Colombia. During the previous three months, military
personnel levels varied between 234 and 460, while civilian personnel levels varied
from 345 to 392.16 These numbers change as programs begin, expand, or finish. The
personnel caps also do not apply to foreign national contract employees, or to
personnel stationed at the U.S. embassy.
Helicopters
The FY2006 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act maintains current law
requiring that if any helicopter procured with ACI funds is used to aid or abet the
operations of any illegal self-defense group or illegal security cooperative, the
helicopter shall be immediately returned to the United States.
Reports
The FY2006 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act requires that the Secretary
of State, in consultation with the Administrator of USAID, provide to the
Committees on Appropriations a report within 45 days of enactment and prior to the
initial obligation of funds on the proposed uses of all ACI funds on a country-by-
country basis for each proposed program, project, or activity. The FY2005 National
Defense Authorization Act requires a report from the Secretary of State within 60
16 Information provided by the U.S. Department of State.
CRS-17
days of enactment (in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Director of
Central Intelligence) on any relationships between foreign governments with
organizations in Colombia that have been designated foreign terrorist organizations
by the United States. The report is to describe what direct or indirect assistance these
groups are receiving and the U.S. policies designed to address such relationships.
Colombian Human Rights
The FY2006 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act allows the obligation of
75% of assistance to the Colombian Armed Forces without a determination and
certification from the Secretary of State regarding respect for human rights and
severing ties with paramilitary groups. The remaining 25% can be released in two
installments of 12.5% each. The first installment can be made provided that the
Secretary of State certifies that
! the Commander General of the Colombian Armed Forces is
suspending members who have been credibly alleged to have
committed gross violations of human rights or to have aided or
abetted paramilitary organizations;
! the Colombian government is vigorously investigating and
prosecuting members of the military who have been credibly alleged
to have committed gross violations of human rights or to have aided
or abetted paramilitary organizations, and promptly punishing those
found guilty;
! the Colombian Armed Forces have made substantial progress in
cooperating with civilian prosecutors and judicial authorities in such
cases;
! the Colombian Armed Forces have made substantial progress in
severing links to paramilitary organizations;
! the Colombian government is dismantling paramilitary leadership
and financial networks by arresting commanders and financial
backers; and
! the Colombian government is taking effective steps to ensure that
land and property rights of indigenous communities are not being
violated by the Colombian Armed Forces.
The last installment can be made after July 31, 2006, if the Secretary of State
certifies that the Colombian Armed Forces are continuing to meet the above
conditions and are conducting vigorous operations to restore government authority
and respect for human rights in areas under the effective control of paramilitary and
guerrilla organizations. The law also requires that not later than 60 days after
enactment, and every 90 days thereafter, the Secretary of State shall consult with
internationally recognized human rights organizations regarding progress in meeting
these conditions.
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The law denies visas to anyone who the Secretary of State determines has
willfully provided any support to leftist guerrilla organizations or rightist
paramilitaries, or has participated in the commission of gross violations of human
rights in Colombia. The provision may be waived if the Secretary of State
determines and certifies, on a case-by-case basis, that the issuance of a visa is
necessary to support the peace process in Colombia, or for urgent humanitarian
purposes.
In addition to these provisions that are specific to Colombia, the law includes
a provision from previous legislation, often called the Leahy amendment, that denies
funds to any unit of a security force for which the Secretary of State has credible
evidence of gross human rights violations. The Secretary may continue funding if
he determines and reports to Congress that the foreign government is taking effective
measures to bring the responsible members of these security forces to justice.
Funding Earmarks
The FY2006 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act designated that not less
than $228.8 million of ACI funds be allocated to USAID for alternative development
and institution building. Of this amount, USAID is directed to use $131.2 million
for programs in Colombia. Bill language directs that ACI funds apportioned to
USAID shall be allocated by the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International
Development in consultation with the Assistant Secretary of State for International
Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.
The act also required that not less than $6 million be made available for judicial
reform programs in Colombia and not less than $8 million for programs to protect
human rights. It also earmarked not less than $2 million for programs to protect
biodiversity and indigenous reserves in Colombia. Conference report language
(H.Rept. 109-265) directs that $500,000 of funds available for the Colombian Armed
Forces be made available for incidental costs associated with treating in the United
States, soldiers injured by land mines. Report language also recommends that
additional assistance through the Leahy War Victims Fund be made available to help
Colombian civilians who are disabled by land mines.
Aerial Fumigation
The FY2006 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act requires that not more than
20% of funds used for the procurement of chemicals for aerial coca and poppy
fumigation be made available unless the Secretary of State certifies that 1) the
herbicide mixture is in accordance with EPA label requirements for comparable use
in the United States and any additional controls recommended by the EPA; and 2) the
herbicide mixture does not pose unreasonable risks or adverse effects to humans or
the environment, including endemic species. Further, the Secretary of State must
certify that complaints of harm to health or licit crops caused by fumigation are
evaluated and fair compensation is being paid for meritorious claims. These funds
may not be made available unless programs are being implemented by USAID, the
Colombian government, or other organizations to provide alternative sources of
income in areas where security permits for small-acreage growers whose illicit crops
CRS-19
are targeted for fumigation. Such programs are to include consultation with local
communities.
Prohibition on Participation in Combat Operations
The FY2006 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act and the FY2005 National
Defense Authorization continues the prohibition on U.S. military personnel or U.S.
civilian contractors participating in any combat operations in Colombia. This
provision has been included in authorization and appropriation legislation since the
original Plan Colombia law approved by Congress in 2000.
Bolivian Human Rights
The FY2006 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act requires the Secretary of
State to certify that the Bolivian military is respecting human rights, and that civilian
judicial authorities are investigating and prosecuting, with the military’s cooperation,
military personnel who have been implicated in gross violations of human rights.
Such a certification must be issued before any ACI funds may be made available to
the Bolivian military.
Demobilization of Illegally Armed Groups in Colombia
The FY2006 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act makes $20 million
available in FY2006 to assist in the demobilization and disarmament of former
members of foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs), if the Secretary of State certifies
that:
! assistance will be provided only for individuals who have verifiably
renounced and terminated any affiliation or involvement with FTOs,
and are meeting all the requirements of the Colombia
Demobilization program;
! the Colombian government is fully cooperating with the United
States in extraditing FTO leaders and members who have been
indicted in the United States for murder, kidnaping, narcotics
trafficking, and other violations of U.S. law;
! the Colombian government is implementing a concrete and workable
framework for dismantling the organizational structures of FTOs;
and
! funds will not be used to make cash payments to individuals, and
funds will only be available for any of the following activities:
verification, reintegration (including training and education), vetting,
recovery of assets for reparations for victims, and investigations and
prosecutions.
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Maritime Refueling Vessel
The FY2006 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act report language urges the
Administration to include in its FY2007 budget a funding request for a maritime
refueling support vessel that is capable of refueling U.S. and allied vessels engaged
in drug interdiction in the eastern Pacific transit zone.
Major Legislative Activity in the 109th Congress,
Second Session
FY2007 Foreign Operations Appropriations
The Andean Counterdrug Initiative, as well as FMF and IMET, are funded in
the annual Foreign Operations Appropriation bill. The House and Senate Foreign
Operations Appropriations Subcommittees have begun hearings on the
Administration’s request for FY2007. Full Committee and floor consideration are
expected later in the year.
FY2006 Supplemental Appropriations17
The Administration did not request additional counternarcotics funds for the
Andean region in the supplemental. However, an amendment on the House floor
(H.R. 4939) added $26.3 million for drug interdiction aircraft in Colombia.
Sponsored by Representative Burton, the funds would be used to purchase three new
DC-3 fixed-wing aircraft for the Colombian Navy. The bill passed the House on
March 16 and is pending in the Senate.
Major Legislative Activity in the 109th Congress,
First Session
FY2006 Foreign Operations Appropriations
On June 28, 2005, the House passed H.R. 3057 (H.Rept. 109-152) fully funding
the ACI at $734.5 million. The Senate passed H.R. 3057 on July 20, 2005 (S.Rept.
109-96) also fully funding the ACI. Both House and Senate versions included
conditions on assistance, similar to current law, regarding human rights, expanded
authority for a unified campaign, a prohibition on combat, and the use of U.S.-
provided helicopters. (See section on “Congressional Conditions on Assistance” for
provisions of the final bill.)
17 For more information on the FY2006 Supplemental, see CRS Report RL33298, FY2006
Supplemental Appropriations: Iraq and Other International Activities; Additional Katrina
Hurricane Relief, by Paul M. Irwin and Larry Nowels, coordinators.
CRS-21
The House passed the conference report (H.Rept. 109-265) on November 4,
2005, and the Senate followed suit on November 10. The President signed it into law
on November 14, 2005 (P.L. 109-102). The final agreement fully funded the ACI at
$734.5 million, but provided a different mix on how that money should be spent than
did either the House or Senate bills.
The conference report made ACI funds available until September 30, 2008. It
adopted language with regard to demobilization, and appropriated $20 million to
assist Colombia with the demobilization of rightist paramilitary groups. The
conference report removed a Senate provision requiring the Secretary of State to
consult with the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights in Colombia before
making a certification that Colombia is meeting human rights conditions. Instead,
the conference report stated the expectation that the Secretary will consider the
opinion of the High Commissioner and the Committees on Appropriations prior to
making the certification. It also increased funding for alternative development and
rule of law programs in Colombia from $149.76 million, as provided by the Senate,
to $158.6 million.
Foreign Relations Authorization Act, FY2006 and FY2007
The House International Relations Committee reported H.R. 2601, the Foreign
Relations Authorization Act, with a provision making U.S. assistance to Colombia
contingent on a certification from the Secretary of State that Colombia has a
workable framework in place for the demobilization and dismantling of former
combatants, and that Colombia is cooperating with the United States on extradition
requests. The bill also calls for a report from the Secretary of State that details tax
code enforcement in Colombia. In floor action, the House approved a Burton
amendment to authorize the transfer of two tactical, unpressurized marine patrol
aircraft for use by the Colombian Navy for interdiction purposes. The bill passed the
House on July 20, 2005.
The Senate has had under consideration its version of the foreign relations
authorization bill, S. 600. The bill authorizes funding for ACI and includes a number
of conditions on assistance consistent with current law. The bill authorized a unified
campaign against narcotics trafficking and terrorist activities; maintains the existing
cap on military and civilian personnel allowed to be stationed in Colombia; prohibits
U.S. military and civilian personnel from participating in combat operations; and
maintains reporting requirements relating to human rights and the conduct of U.S.
operations.
National Defense Authorization Act, FY2006
Both the House and Senate approved the FY2006 National Defense
Authorization Act (H.R. 1815) on December 19, 2005, which was signed by the
President on January 6, 2006 (P.L. 109-163). The law authorized $901.7 million for
DOD-wide global drug interdiction activities. Unlike the FY2005 authorization, it
did not include provisions relating to Colombia or the Andean Counterdrug Initiative.
CRS-22
Appendix B. Map
Figure 1. Andean Counterdrug Initiative Countries