Legislation authorizes $1.6 billion to help combat drug trafficking and organized crime.

Rep. Silvestre Reyes, Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, joined a majority in the House of Representatives in passing the Merida Initiative to Combat Illicit Narcotics and Reduce Organized Crime Authorization Act of 2008 (H.R. 6028). The bill authorizes $1.6 billion through 2010 to provide training, equipment, technology, and intelligence to help the Mexican government and other Latin American countries to control drug trafficking and organized crime. The bill passed by a vote of 311-106, and will now proceed to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

"The drug cartels' brutal attacks against Mexican police and military forces threaten the security of the entire border region," said Congressman Reyes. "We cannot allow these ruthless criminals to continue their coordinated effort to weaken Mexico's ability to crack down on the flow of illegal drugs to the U.S. I applaud my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for recognizing the urgent need to approve the Merida Initiative and provide this critical assistance to Mexico."

The Merida Initiative to Combat Illicit Narcotics and Reduce Organized Crime Authorization Act would authorize assistance to Mexico in three main areas: law enforcement and security; intelligence; and institution building. The bill also authorizes funds for "Project Gunrunner," an initiative to halt the flow of illegal firearms smuggled from the United States into Mexico.

The bill authorizes $780 million through 2010 to enhance Mexico's law enforcement capacity. These funds would provide training for Mexican security and law enforcement officers specifically for the purpose of conducting counternarcotics operations.

H.R. 6028 includes measures to enhance Mexico's intelligence collection capacity. The legislation would help law enforcement agencies develop more effective intelligence-gathering techniques to combat drug traffickers. In addition, the bill would provide $330 million through 2010 for institution-building to enhance Mexico's judicial system, civilian institutions, and rule of law. These funds would promote greater transparency and support the Mexican government's efforts to crack down on corruption.

The House-passed bill also authorizes $15 million through 2010 for "Project Gunrunner," an initiative to investigate and prosecute individuals who smuggle firearms from the United States into Mexico.

Last month the U.S. House of Representatives approved $461.5 million for the Merida Initiative as part of the 2008 Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2008, and the U.S. Senate passed a similar measure, providing $450 million. The House and Senate are working on a compromise to pass this measure.