Sec. 1207. Plan for enhancing Western Hemisphere security cooperation
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/bill/117/s/2792/rs/section-1207·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a plan for enhancing security cooperation and advancing United States strategic interests in the Western Hemisphere. The plan required by subsection
(a)shall include the following: Activities to expand bilateral and multilateral security cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean so as to maintain consistent United States presence in the region. Activities to build the defense and security capacity (other than civilian law enforcement) of partner countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Activities to counter malign influence of state actors and transnational criminal organizations with connections to illicit trafficking, terrorism, or weapons proliferation. Efforts to disrupt, degrade, and counter transnational illicit trafficking, with an emphasis on illicit narcotics and precursor chemicals that produce illicit narcotics. Activities to provide transparency and support for strong and accountable defense institutions through institutional capacity-building efforts, including efforts to ensure compliance with internationally recognized human rights standards. Steps to expand bilateral and multinational military exercises and training with partner countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. The provision of assistance to— such partner countries for regional defense; and security organizations and institutions and national military or other security forces (other than civilian law enforcement) that carry out national or regional security missions. The provision of training and education to defense and security ministries, agencies, and headquarters-level organizations for organizations and forces described in paragraph (7)(B). Activities to counter misinformation and disinformation campaigns and highlight corrupt, predatory, and illegal practices. The provision of Department of Defense humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to support partner countries by promoting the development and growth of responsive institutions through activities such as— the provision of equipment, training, and logistical support; transportation of humanitarian supplies or foreign security forces or personnel; making available, preparing, and transferring on-hand nonlethal Department of Defense stocks for humanitarian or health purposes to respond to unforeseen emergencies; the provision of Department of Defense humanitarian de-mining assistance; conducting physical security and stockpile-management activities; and conducting medical support operations or medical humanitarian missions, as appropriate, such as hospital-ship deployments and base-operating services, to the extent required by the operation. Continued support for the Women, Peace, and Security efforts of the Department of State to support the capacity of partner countries in the Western Hemisphere— to ensure that women and girls are safe and secure and the rights of women and girls are protected; and to promote the meaningful participation of women in the defense and security sectors. The provision of support to increase the capacity and effectiveness of Department of Defense educational programs and institutions, such as the William J. Perry Center, and international institutions, such as the Inter-American Defense Board and the Inter-American Defense College, that promote United States defense objectives through bilateral and regional relationships. Professional military education initiatives. The allocation of maritime vessels to the United States 4th Fleet. A detailed assessment of the resources required to carry out such plan. In this section, the term appropriate committees of Congress means— the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives.