Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Authorization Act

This bill sets up and funds a U.S. partnership with Caribbean countries to boost safety, fight crime, and prepare for natural disasters. It supports police and courts with training and equipment; strengthens border and port screening to stop drugs, weapons, and cash; improves work against cybercrime; and expands prevention programs for at-risk youth, including job training, education, and better juvenile justice. It also aims to reduce corruption and protect human rights.

The bill adds disaster-readiness programs, like training first responders, helping ports and critical infrastructure bounce back quickly after storms, and sharing best practices across governments. It calls for messaging to help people in the region understand the benefits of U.S. assistance. It also works to counter harmful foreign influence by monitoring risky telecom vendors and investment projects linked to authoritarian regimes (such as China, Russia, Iran, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba).

Key points

• Who is affected: Caribbean “beneficiary countries,” their police, courts, first responders, and at-risk youth; U.S. agencies like State and USAID; and coordination with the Haitian National Police.
• What changes: Security cooperation (maritime/aerial), stronger airport and seaport screening, anti-gang and anti-corruption efforts, training with human rights protections, justice system reform, cybercrime work, youth jobs/education programs, disaster-preparedness training, and public communication about U.S. aid.
• Funding: $88 million each year from 2025 through 2029.
• Timeline and oversight: An implementation plan and a separate disaster strategy are due within 180 days, with clear goals and benchmarks, and yearly progress reports. The plan must spell out agency roles, coordinate projects, and include steps to work with the Haitian National Police. Disaster programs run for five years from enactment.