After weeks of uncertainty and waiting, the House version of the Iraq Supplemental bill became available yesterday and is being debated on the floor today. Although we still have yet to see the Senate version of the bill, this gives us a clearer sense of the direction that Congress may take with the Merida Initiative.

The House version of the Iraq Supplemental bill includes a total of $400 million for Mexico to be spread out over two years -- $296.5 million for fiscal year 2008 plus $103.5 million for fiscal year 2009. This is less than the $500 million that President Bush requested be designated for Mexico in the Iraq Supplemental for fiscal year 2008.

Of the $400 million for Mexico, this includes:

• $116.5 million that could be used for equipment and training for the Mexican military.
• $20 million for institution building and support of civil society, of which $3 million is designated for victim & witness protection programs and $5 million for human rights training for police, prosecutors and prison officials.
• $10 million for demand reduction and drug rehab programs
• $3 million for technical assistance to implement a unified national registry for federal, state and municipal police officials
• $5 million for a literacy program for local police

Additionally, the House version of the Iraq Supplemental designates $61.5 million for Central America, Dominican Republic and Haiti for programs to “combat drug trafficking and related violent crime, judicial reform, institution building, rule of law activities, and maritime security.” This funding is designated for fiscal year 2008.

Of this $61.5 million for Central America, Dominican Republic and Haiti, this includes:

• $29.3 million for funding for non-lethal equipment and police training for Central America
• $2.5 million each for Haiti and the Dominican Republic

The good news: We support the meaningful human rights safeguards that have been included in this bill. The bad news: There is still funding for the Mexican military in this package, but less than the President’s initial request.

The full text of this bill can be found here: http://www.rules.house.gov/110/text/110_supplemental_appropriations.html

Of course, it is very likely that the specifics of this bill will change during floor debate. Please stay tuned for additional updates. We will continue to post materials and action alerts to work with you to urge Congress to strengthen human rights protections and demilitarize this aid package.