The United States House of Representatives passes Engel Bill to Strengthen Caribbean Engagement.

The bill, H.R. 4939, United States–Caribbean Strategic Engagement Act of 2016, was introduced on April 14, 2016, by Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY) and was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which ordered the bill reported by Unanimous Consent on April 20, 2016

H.R. 4939 goal is to increase engagement with the governments of the Caribbean region, the Caribbean diaspora community in the United States, and the private sector and civil society in both the United States and the Caribbean, and for other purposes.

The bill states

Congress declares that it is the policy of the United States to increase engagement with the governments of the Caribbean region, the Caribbean diaspora community in the United States, and the private sector and civil society in both the United States and the Caribbean in a concerted effort to:

1. Enhance diplomatic relations between the United States and the Caribbean region;
2. Increase economic cooperation between the United States and the Caribbean region;
3. Support regional economic, political, and security integration efforts in the Caribbean region;
4. Encourage sustainable economic development and increased regional economic diversification and global competitiveness;
5. Reduce levels of crime and violence, curb the trafficking of illicit drugs, strengthen the rule of law, and improve citizen security;
6. Improve energy security by increasing access to diverse, reliable, affordable, and sustainable power;
7. Advance cooperation on democracy and human rights in the Caribbean region and at multilateral fora; and
8. Continue support for public health advances and cooperation on health concerns and threats to the Caribbean region.

In addition, the bill requires the Government Accountability Office to produce two key reports:

1. An evaluation of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) and a breakdown of CBSI assistance provided to each country; and
2. An evaluation of U.S. diplomatic engagement with the Eastern Caribbean.