Western Hemisphere Drug Policy Commission Act of 2009
The Western Hemisphere Drug Policy Commission Act of 2009 (H.R. 2134) was introduced to establish an independent commission focused on evaluating U.S. drug policies in the Western Hemisphere.
Purpose
The Act aimed to create a commission that would conduct a comprehensive review of U.S. policies related to reducing illicit drug supply, interdiction, and demand, particularly focusing on international drug policies in the Western Hemisphere. This included evaluating policies in countries like Colombia, Mexico, and other Central American and Caribbean nations where drug production, trafficking, and related violence are significant issues.
Findings
The Act highlighted several critical issues:
- The high number of drug users in the U.S.
- The origin of cocaine and heroin supplies from Andean countries and Mexico.
- The impact of drug trafficking on violence, instability, and corruption in source and transit countries.
- The link between drug trafficking and terrorist financing by groups like the FARC and Hezbollah.
Establishment and Structure
The commission was intended to be independent, with members appointed by both the executive and legislative branches. Its mandate included:
- Assessing U.S. international illicit drug control policies.
- Evaluating drug interdiction, crop eradication, and alternative development programs.
- Analyzing the effectiveness of initiatives like the Andean Counterdrug Initiative and the Merida Initiative.
Outcome
Although the bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives on December 8, 2009, it did not receive a vote in the Senate, thus not becoming law. However, similar legislation was introduced in subsequent Congresses, indicating ongoing interest in evaluating U.S. drug policy strategies in the Western Hemisphere.
This Act was part of a broader effort to critically assess the effectiveness of U.S. drug policies, especially in light of the persistent challenges posed by drug trafficking and consumption within the Americas.