A bill to require a United States security strategy for the Western Hemisphere, and for other purposes.
Bill Title: Western Hemisphere Security Strategy Act of 2022
Introduction: The bill was introduced by Mr. Rubio along with Mr. Menendez, Mr. Cassidy, Mr. Kaine, and Mr. Coons in the Senate of the United States on February 7, 2022. It was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Purpose: The bill aims to establish a United States security strategy for the Western Hemisphere and promote security, stability, and prosperity in countries of the region.
Sense of Congress: The bill expresses the sense of Congress on various aspects related to the Western Hemisphere, including:
Security Strategy: The bill mandates the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense to jointly develop and submit a multi-year strategy, known as the "Western Hemisphere Security Strategy," within 180 days of the bill's enactment. This strategy is meant to enhance diplomatic engagement and security assistance, promote regional security and stability, and advance U.S. strategic interests in the Western Hemisphere.
Elements of the Strategy: The strategy must include the following elements:
Implementation: The Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense must commence the implementation of the strategy within 90 days of its submission. They are also required to provide regular briefings to the appropriate committees of Congress on the implementation. The authority under this section will terminate three years after the bill's enactment.
Report on Efforts to Capture and Detain U.S. Citizens as Hostages: The bill instructs the Secretary of State to submit a report within 30 days of the bill's enactment to the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Foreign Affairs. The report should cover efforts by the Maduro regime of Venezuela to detain U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, including the individuals involved and any role played by transnational criminal organizations. The report should also assess if and how U.S. citizens have been lured to Venezuela. The report will have an unclassified form but will include a classified annex listing the total number of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents detained or imprisoned in Venezuela.
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