American Cooperation with Our Neighbors Act

This bill tells the State Department, working with USAID, to make a plan within 270 days to strengthen cooperation between U.S. and Mexican states and cities. The plan focuses on fighting fentanyl and other synthetic opioids by improving teamwork among police and security forces, creating training and exchange programs, and, when appropriate, sharing data. It also pushes for more talks and support among local governments, community groups, faith groups, and business leaders, plus more help for border towns serving local needs. The plan must be unclassified, and two years after it is sent, the President must provide an update on how it is working and what will change. Data sharing with foreign countries under this plan cannot begin until Congress is told what data will be shared.

The bill also orders a review on how to expand access to finance in Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries. This review looks at rules and reporting tied to drug money, whether to expand embassies or consulates, and programs that help people and businesses get capital. A report on the findings must be sent to Congress.

Key points

• Who is affected: State Department and USAID; U.S. and Mexican law enforcement; local governments, community, faith, and business groups; border towns; CARICOM member states.
• What changes: 270-day plan; training, exchanges, and data sharing (with notice to Congress); more support for border towns; CARICOM finance access review and report.
• When: Plan due within 270 days of enactment; update due two years after the plan is sent.