Andean Regional Initiative (ARI): FY2002 Assistance for Colombia and Neighbors

Publication Date: February 2002

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Social conditions

Type:

Coverage: Colombia

Abstract:

In April and May 2001, the Bush Administration proposed $882.29 million in FY2002 economic and counter-narcotics assistance, as well as extension of trade preferences and other measures, for Colombia and regional neighbors in an initiative called the "Andean Regional Initiative" (ARI).

Critics of the Andean Regional Initiative argue that it is a continuation of what they regard as the misguided approach of last year's Plan Colombia, with an overemphasis on military and counter-drug assistance, and with inadequate support for human rights and the peace process in Colombia. Supporters argue that it continues needed assistance to Colombia, while providing more support for regional neighbors and social and economic programs.

In action on the FY2002 Foreign Operations Appropriations bill (H.R. 2506), the House passed the bill on July 24, 2001, with $826 million for the ARI, of which $675 million is for the counter-narcotics "Andean Counterdrug Initiative" (ACI) portion, a reduction of $56 million from the President's ACI request. The Senate passed the bill on October 24, 2001, with $698 million for the ARI, of which $547 million is for the ACI, a reduction of $184 million from the President's ACI request. The conference version of H.R. 2506, as approved by the House on December 19, and the Senate on December 20, includes $625 million for the ACI, $106 million less than the President's ACI request, with $215 million earmarked for AID programs and a variety of conditions, including an alteration of the cap on military and civilian contractors serving in Colombia. In February 2002 budget submissions, the Bush Administration allocated $645 million to the ACI account for FY2002, including $20 million transferred from the general International Narcotics Control account.

In action on the Foreign Relations Authorization Act for FY2002-FY2003, the House passed H.R. 1646 on May 16, 2001, with four reporting requirements on activities in Colombia and a prohibition on the issuance of visas to illegal armed groups in Colombia. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee reported out S. 1401 on September 4, 2001, with a requirement for a report that outlines a comprehensive strategy to eradicate all opium cultivation at its source in Colombia. No further action occurred on either of these bills in the first session of the 107th Congress.

In action on the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2002, the House passed H.R. 2586 on September 25, 2001, with a cap of 500 on the number of U.S. military personnel in Colombia, with some exceptions. This provision was not retained in the conference version of S. 1438 which was passed by both chambers on December 13, 2001.

In action on the Andean Trade Preference Act, on November 16, 2001, the House passed H.R. 3009, the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act, which would extend and expand the ATPA through December 31, 2006. The Senate Finance Committee reported a more limited version, S. 525, on November 29, 2001, in the context of other legislation.