Adriano Espaillat (D-NY)
Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Authorization Act
A Democratic bill with 2 Republican cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 42 - 5.
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
What this bill would do
The Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Authorization Act aims to strengthen security and economic stability in specific Caribbean countries. It authorizes the Secretary of State and USAID to implement a partnership focused on citizen safety, the rule of law, and countering criminal organizations. The bill prioritizes building resilience against natural disasters and combating corruption. It also seeks to counter the influence of authoritarian regimes through strategic monitoring and investment restrictions. To achieve these goals, the bill authorizes $88,000,000 annually from 2025 through 2029. Finally, it requires detailed implementation plans and annual progress updates to be submitted to Congress.
Yes· 3 of 14
- Scored +7
Does this send more money or help to other countries?
The bill authorizes $88,000,000 annually for security and development assistance in the Caribbean.
- Scored +7
Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster?
The bill prioritizes natural disaster resilience and rapid-response mechanisms in beneficiary countries.
- Scored +6
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?
The bill enhances the United States-Caribbean security partnership.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Safety and Security: The initiative aims to promote citizen safety and the rule of law by countering local gangs and transnational criminal organizations (Section 3(b)(1)-(2)).
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Improved Border and Port Security: By strengthening the capacity to intercept narcotics, weapons, and other contraband, the bill aims to secure airports and seaports (Section 3(b)(2)(B)).
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Stronger Justice Systems: The bill provides for training for civilian police, prosecutors, and judges to improve criminal investigations and the efficacy of criminal courts (Section 3(b)(3)(A)-(D)).
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Youth Opportunity and Crime Prevention: The act seeks to increase economic opportunities for at-risk youth through workforce development training and remedial education (Section 3(b)(4)(B)).
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Natural Disaster Resilience: The bill prioritizes training and infrastructure support to help countries respond to and recover more quickly from natural disasters (Section 3(b)(5) and Section 5(a)).
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Anti-Corruption Efforts: It aims to build the capacity of national justice systems and law enforcement to investigate and prosecute corruption (Section 3(b)(6)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Investment and Infrastructure: The bill includes provisions to evaluate and potentially restrict involvement in investment and infrastructure projects financed by certain authoritarian regimes (Section 3(b)(7)(B)).
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Equipment and Infrastructure Restrictions: There are provisions to monitor and restrict equipment and support from high-risk vendors regarding telecommunications infrastructure (Section 3(b)(7)(C)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this send more money or help to other countries? — The bill authorizes $88,000,000 annually for security and development assistance in the Caribbean. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill enhances the United States-Caribbean security partnership. Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill includes strengthening cybersecurity and cybercrime cooperation. Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad? — The bill promotes strategic engagement with governments and civil society in the Caribbean.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this tighten control of the border? — The bill strengthens capacity for intercepting narcotics and weapons at airports and seaports. Does this change how police departments operate? — The bill supports training for civilian police in human rights, best practices, and community-based policing. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — The bill provides economic opportunities and workforce training for vulnerable populations and at-risk youth.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — The bill strengthens the capacity of justice systems and courts to ensure the rule of law. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill promotes transparency to counter corruption and disinformation.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — The bill targets at-risk youth with economic opportunities and education. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Empowerment of vulnerable populations through crime prevention and economic opportunity.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster? — The bill prioritizes natural disaster resilience and rapid-response mechanisms in beneficiary countries.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill aims to increase economic opportunities for at-risk youth through workforce development training. Is this likely to grow the economy? — By fostering stability and countering corruption, the bill indirectly supports economic growth in the Caribbean.
- 1/21/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 42 - 5.
- 1/20/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 7/14/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Michael LawlerRepublican · New York
Maria SalazarRepublican · Florida
Brad ShermanDemocrat · California