Narcotics Certification of Drug Producing Trafficking Nations: Questions and Answers

Publication Date: March 2000

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Social conditions

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Abstract:

An important element of U.S. international narcotics control strategy involves the threat of, or application of, sanctions against major illicit drug producing or trafficking nations. These range from suspension of U.S. foreign assistance and preferential trade benefits to curtailment of air transportation. Sections 489 and 490 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, require the President to submit to Congress by March 1 each year a list of major illicit drug producing and transiting countries that he has certified as fully cooperative and therefore fully eligible to receive U.S. foreign aid, without discretionary imposition of any concomitant economic and trade sanctions. This sets in motion a 30-calendar-day review process in which Congress can disapprove the President's certification and stop U.S. foreign aid and other benefits from going to specific countries. This report provides answers to frequently asked questions about the certification process and the requirements for Congress to disapprove a drug certification by the President.