HR-4939 : Became Public Law


United States-Caribbean Strategic Engagement Act of 2016

This bill directs the Department of State to submit to Congress a multi-year strategy for U.S. engagement with the Caribbean region that:

  • identifies State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) efforts to prioritize U.S. policy towards the Caribbean region;
  • broadens State Department and USAID outreach to the Caribbean diaspora community in the United States to promote their involvement in Caribbean economic development and citizen security;
  • outlines an approach to partner with Caribbean governments to improve citizen security, reduce illicit drug trafficking, strengthen the rule of law, and improve the effectiveness of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI);
  • encourages efforts of the region to implement regional and national strategies that improve Caribbean energy security;
  • improves diplomatic engagement with Caribbean governments; and
  • assists Caribbean countries in diversifying their economies, reducing free trade and investment barriers, and supporting the training and employment of persons in marginalized communities.

The Government Accountability Office shall submit reports to Congress regarding: (1) the CBSI; and (2) diplomatic outreach from the U.S. embassy in Barbados to Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent, and the Grenadines.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2016-12-16PresidentBecame Public Law No: 114-291.House floor actions
2016-12-16PresidentSigned by President.House floor actions
2016-12-15FloorPresented to President.House floor actions
2016-12-13ResolvingDifferencesMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
2016-12-13ResolvingDifferencesOn motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to without objection. (consideration: CR H7584-7585; text as House agreed to Senate amendment: CR H7584-7585)House floor actions
2016-12-13ResolvingDifferencesMr. Smith (NJ) asked unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table and agree to the Senate amendment.House floor actions
2016-12-12FloorMessage on Senate action sent to the House.Senate
2016-12-10FloorPassed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.Senate
2016-12-10FloorThe committee substitute as amended agreed to by Unanimous Consent.Senate
2016-12-10FloorMeasure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S7127-7128; text of measure as reported in Senate: CR S7127-7128)Senate
2016-12-07CalendarsPlaced on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 713.Senate
2016-12-07CommitteeCommittee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Corker with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.Senate
2016-12-06CommitteeCommittee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.Senate
2016-06-14IntroReferralReceived in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.Senate
2016-06-13FloorMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
2016-06-13VoteOn motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 386 - 6 (Roll no. 297). (text: CR H3724-3725)House floor actions
2016-06-13FloorConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3730-3731)House floor actions
2016-06-13FloorAt the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.House floor actions
2016-06-13FloorDEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4939.House floor actions
2016-06-13FloorConsidered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3724-3727)House floor actions
2016-06-13FloorMr. Royce moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.House floor actions
2016-04-20CommitteeOrdered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.House committee actions
2016-04-20CommitteeCommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.House committee actions
2016-04-14IntroReferralReferred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.House floor actions
2016-04-14IntroReferralIntroduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Policy Area :

International Affairs
Related Subjects
  • Alternative and renewable resources
  • Congressional oversight
  • Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
  • Drug trafficking and controlled substances
  • Employment and training programs
  • Energy storage, supplies, demand
  • Foreign aid and international relief
  • Free trade and trade barriers
  • Government studies and investigations
  • Human rights
  • Law enforcement administration and funding
  • Rule of law and government transparency
  • U.S. and foreign investments
Related Geographic Entities
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Barbados
  • Caribbean area
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Related Organizations

Related Bills

See Related Bills