Mérida Initiative Signed Into Law: $1.5 Billion Over Three Years

President Bush signs the Mérida Initiative into law after Congress appropriates $400 million for FY2008, the first installment of the three-year $1.5 billion package. The law includes human rights conditions requiring Mexico to report on progress in civilian oversight of military abuses. Mexico receives UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, maritime patrol aircraft, ion scanners, and law enforcement training as early deliverables.