Rep. Adriano Espaillat Secures Additional Funding for Caribbean Security in House Appropriations Bill

Press Release

Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) announced that the House has adopted his amendment to increase critical funding for security cooperation with Caribbean nations to fight illicit drug trafficking and prevent escalating violence. Rep. Espaillat's amendment provides for a $2 million increase of the minimum funding level for the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI). The amendment had the support of the House Foreign Affairs Committee leadership.

"This funding will help to combat the illegal narcotics trade that is fueling an addiction crisis across the U.S.," said Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). "This funding will go to interdiction efforts, programs to help keep youth from getting caught up in the drug trade, and programs to improve judicial systems and combat corruption."

Earlier this year, Rep. Espaillat teamed up with House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot L. Engel in leading a request recommending an increase in funding to address the growing threat of illicit trafficking and violence in the Caribbean. The request also encouraged that CBSI be used to strengthen resiliency given the increase of natural disasters in the region. A total of 21 members of Congress joined in this effort.

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