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[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 336 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

115th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 336

      Reaffirming a strong commitment to the United States-Mexico 
                              partnership.

_______________________________________________________________________

                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                              May 18, 2017

   Mr. Engel (for himself, Mr. McCaul, Mr. Gene Green of Texas, Ms. 
Lofgren, Mrs. Torres, Mr. Sires, Mr. Cuellar, Mr. Polis, Mr. Duffy, Mr. 
  Hurd, Mr. Valadao, Ms. McSally, Ms. Sanchez, and Mr. Poe of Texas) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
                           on Foreign Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
      Reaffirming a strong commitment to the United States-Mexico 
                              partnership.

Whereas shared cultural ties, values, and beliefs connect the citizens of the 
        United States and Mexico and have long been the foundation from which 
        the friendly, bilateral relationship has flourished;
Whereas the United States and Mexico have benefited from a bilateral, mutually 
        beneficial partnership focused on advancing the economic and security 
        interests of both countries;
Whereas it is in the national interests of the United States and Mexico to 
        continue deepening economic cooperation and security cooperation;
Whereas consecutive United States and Mexican administrations have increased 
        bilateral defense and law enforcement cooperation on counterterrorism 
        and counternarcotics issues, including the illicit trafficking of 
        weapons, money, people, and drugs across the United States southern 
        border;
Whereas cooperation with Mexico during the administration of President Pena 
        Nieto has led to the extradition of more than 270 individuals facing 
        criminal charges in the United States;
Whereas, the January 19, 2017, extradition of drug kingpin Joaquin ``El Chapo'' 
        Guzman to New York was a major victory for both countries that would not 
        have been possible without a robust United States-Mexico security 
        partnership;
Whereas the Merida Initiative was established in 2007 and enabled a new level of 
        security cooperation between the United States and Mexico on a range of 
        issues including efforts to combat transnational organized crime and 
        promote justice reform;
Whereas the United States and Mexico have begun cooperation to address the 
        trafficking and production of heroin and fentanyl threatening the lives 
        of citizens in both countries;
Whereas the United States has provided almost $2.8 billion in security 
        assistance to Mexico through the Merida Initiative between fiscal year 
        2008 and fiscal year 2017;
Whereas the United States and Mexico enjoy close diplomatic cooperation and 
        Mexico has consistently voted with the United States at the United 
        Nations on challenges related to Syria, North Korea, and Ukraine;
Whereas the United States and Mexico have closely collaborated at the 
        Organization of American States (OAS) on issues related to Venezuela, 
        where Mexico has played a leading role;
Whereas Mexico is an important security and defense partner to the United 
        States, and regularly participates in training activities in 
        coordination with United States Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and the 
        North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD); and
Whereas the United States and Mexico launched the High Level Economic Dialogue 
        on September 20, 2013, to help advance United States-Mexico economic and 
        commercial priorities to promote mutual economic growth, job creation, 
        educational exchanges and innovation, and global competitiveness: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) reaffirms its strong commitment to a United States-
        Mexico partnership based on mutual respect and the promotion of 
        shared democratic values and principles;
            (2) supports continued bilateral cooperation through the 
        High Level Economic Dialogue on issues related to the economic 
        well-being and security of both countries;
            (3) encourages continued security cooperation between the 
        United States and Mexican law enforcement agencies and 
        militaries, including on violence reduction in Mexico, 
        counterterrorism and the increased trafficking of heroin and 
        fentanyl;
            (4) supports continued engagement with Mexico to tackle 
        regional issues and work together in international fora, 
        including the United Nations and the Organization of American 
        States; and
            (5) supports efforts by the Government of Mexico to 
        strengthen the rule of law, reduce corruption, and advance 
        civil and human rights.
                                 <all>
```