View source for Western Hemisphere Drug Policy Commission

'''Western Hemisphere Drug Policy Commission''' is an independent, bipartisan commission established by [[Congress]] to evaluate U.S. counternarcotics policies and programs in Latin America and the Caribbean, with the goal of providing recommendations to the [[President of the United States|President]] and Congress to improve these policies.

{{Official URL (simple)|url=https://foreignaffairs.house.gov/}}

== Mission ==
The mission of the Western Hemisphere Drug Policy Commission is to conduct a comprehensive review of U.S. policy regarding illicit drug supply reduction and interdiction, assess the effectiveness of these policies, identify successes and failures, and recommend actionable policy changes to reduce drug supply, demand, and associated violence in the Western Hemisphere.<ref>https://www.congress.gov/</ref>

== Parent organization ==
Congress of the United States<ref>https://www.congress.gov/</ref>

== Legislation ==
The commission was authorized by the [[Western Hemisphere Drug Policy Commission Act of 2009]].<ref>https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/house-bill/2134/text</ref>

== Number of employees ==
The precise number of employees is not publicly documented; however, the commission operates with a small, temporary staff to support its activities.<ref>https://foreignaffairs.house.gov/</ref>

== Organization structure ==
The Western Hemisphere Drug Policy Commission has a straightforward structure:
* **Executive Director** oversees the daily operations and coordinates with the Chair and Vice Chair.
* **Commission Members** include experts from various fields, appointed to provide diverse insights into drug policy.

== List of programs ==
No specific programs are listed as the commission's primary function is review and recommendation rather than implementation.

== Last total enacted budget ==
The budget specifics are not publicly detailed, but the commission was authorized to receive appropriations of $2,000,000 to carry out its functions.<ref>https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/house-bill/2134/text</ref>

== Leader ==
The title of the leader of the organization is **Chair**. Dr. Shannon O'Neil has served as Chair of the Commission.<ref>https://www.congress.gov/</ref>

== Services provided ==
The commission itself does not provide direct services but rather conducts research, holds hearings, and compiles reports to inform policy. Its efforts are directed towards policy analysis and strategic recommendations to enhance U.S. drug control strategies in the Western Hemisphere.<ref>https://foreignaffairs.house.gov/</ref>

== Regulations overseen ==
The commission does not directly oversee regulations but evaluates the impact of existing drug control policies and regulations in the Western Hemisphere, suggesting adjustments or new approaches where necessary.<ref>https://www.congress.gov/</ref>

== Headquarters address ==
The commission's hearings and operations are generally held in Washington, D.C., but no specific address is listed for its headquarters as it is not a permanent entity with a fixed office.

== Website ==
https://foreignaffairs.house.gov/

== Wikipedia article ==
[[Wikipedia:Western Hemisphere Drug Policy Commission|wikipedia:Western Hemisphere Drug Policy Commission]]

== References ==
<references />

[[Category:United States Congress]]