Drug Certification of Mexico in 1999: Arguments For and Against Congressional Resolutions of Disapproval

Publication Date: March 1999

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Social conditions

Type:

Coverage: Mexico

Abstract:

This report presents arguments for and against congressional resolutions to disapprove President Clinton's February 26, 1999 certification of Mexico as a fully cooperative country in efforts to control illicit narcotics. These resolutions (H.J.Res. 35--Bachus, and H.J.Res. 43--Mica and Gilman) would disapprove the President's certification, but would permit him to avoid withholding of assistance to Mexico if he determined that vital national interests required such assistance.

While the drug certification legislation requires that Congress act within 30 calendar days after the President's certification, H.J.Res. 43 contains a rule of construction providing that congressional approval would be deemed to have been enacted within the 30-day period. Supporters of the resolutions might argue that Mexico's performance does not justify certification, that Mexico has failed to take adequate action against corruption and drug traffickers, and that passage would send a message of seriousness that would encourage greater Mexican efforts. Opponents might argue that the action would be seen as a unilateral and punitive approach, that disapproval of Mexico might have negative effects within the United States and might fail to encourage greater Mexican cooperation in counter-narcotics efforts, and that disapproval may negatively affect other areas of bilateral cooperation.