In October 2007, the United States and Mexico announced the Mérida Initiative, a multi-year proposal for $1.4 billion in U.S. assistance to Mexico and Central America aimed at combating drug trafficking, gangs, and organized crime. This report outlines the various appropriations and other foreign aid measures outlined in the Mérida Initiative and what future actions regarding this ongoing effort will include.

This report covers the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and U.S.-Mexico drug trafficking. It also looks at migration, environmental issues, legislation in the 111th Congress, and the relationship between the Obama Administration and Mexico.

Text for an article published in the August 2002 issue of Texas Highways magazine about the history of El Paso and sights to see around the town.

Photograph of a title wall at Gigantes en Miniatura, an exhibition of artwork in Saltillo, Mexico. Patrons stand in the gallery. A woman standing on the right points to a title wall. The title wall reads: "Gigantes en miniatura. Hermanados en el arte."

Photograph of a wreath of flowers in Saltillo, Mexico. The flowers are white, yellow, red, and pink. The wreath hangs on a stone wall outdoors. Text on a sign above the wreath reads: "Cristo." Two men in suits stand on the left. Second from the left stands a woman who wears a turquoise blouse. On the other side of the wreath, right, stands a man who wears glasses and a suit.

Photograph of a group assembled for Gigantes en Miniatura in Saltillo, Mexico. Members of the group applaud in front of a metal statue of three musicians. The photograph was taken outdoors.

Photograph of a group assembled for Gigantes en Miniatura in Saltillo, Mexico. The group poses in front of a metal statue of three musicians. Sylvia Orozco stands second from the left. The photograph was taken outdoors.

Photograph of four individuals assembled for Gigantes en Miniatura in Saltillo, Mexico. They stand in front of a large statue of a bird. Sylvia Orozco stands second from the left.

Photograph of a group in front of a statue at the entrance of the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo in Monterrey, Mexico.

Photograph of eight individuals. Seven are male. Raul Ramirez stands fourth from the left and wears a dark suit. A woman stands farthest to the right and wears a red skirt suit. They stand behind a circular dinner table littered with glassware.

Photograph of a group assembled for Gigantes en Miniatura in Saltillo, Mexico. Many wear white polo shirts. They stand in a garden.

Photograph of seventeen individuals raising an extremely large Mexican flag. All individuals are male. The flag is folded at a diagonal; each individual holds up part of the flag. The sky is blue with a few clouds. Hills can also be seen.

Photograph of four individuals assembled in honor of Gigantes en Miniatura in Saltillo, Mexico. Sylvia Orozco stands second from the right. They stand in front of a title wall, which reads: "Gigantes en miniatura. Hermanados en el arte."

Photograph of a man speaking to a group in honor of Gigantes en Miniatura in Saltillo, Mexico. Paintings of men hang on the walls of the room. Flags are set up behind the speaker. Audience members are seated at tables.

Photograph of a museum in Saltillo, Mexico. A portion of the roof is glass. The building itself is concrete and painted a muted mauve color. Cacti and rocks line pathways. The sky is mostly clear.

Photograph of Raul Ramirez and a group of individuals. Ramirez stands behind a podium and looks down. Text on the podium reads: "City of Austin." Seventeen individuals stand behind him. A blank screen hangs behind the group.

Photograph of four individuals assembled in honor of Gigantes en Miniatura in Saltillo, Mexico. Sylvia Orozco stands second from the left. She wears a black and white patterned blouse. A young woman stands leftmost. On the right side stands a man who wears a suit and a woman who wears a leopard print shawl. A Mexican flag is displayed behind them.

Photograph of three individuals assembled in honor of Gigantes en Miniatura in Saltillo, Mexico. Sylvia Orozco sits farthest to the left. Two women sit next to her. A selection of wines appear behind them.

Photograph of three individuals cutting a ribbon in honor of Gigantes en Miniatura in Saltillo, Mexico. Sylvia Orozco stands in the center. An older man stands on the left. A woman stands on the right. Individuals applaud in the background.

Photograph of a large cake being cut in Saltillo, Mexico. The group stands inside a party tent. A woman assists a young girl in cutting the cake. Another young girl stands to the right. The cake is green, yellow, and red. Icing on the cake reads: "Via Saltillo 423." The last word on the cake is illegible.

Photograph of Sylvia Orozco on the Day of the Mule in Saltillo, Mexico. Orozco wears a black shirt and black and white checked skirt. She stands on a sidewalk. Large pieces of colorful cloth hang from screens made of straw behind her. Potted plants sit near the screens. A tall iron and cement gate can be seen in the background.

This publication addresses the National Infrastructure Program 2007-2012 objectives, strategies, goals and actions designed to increase the coverage, quality, and competitiveness of the country's infrastructure. It is divided into four parts covering current infrastructure, long-term vision, specific goals, and investment requirments.

The Nesbitt Memorial Library Journal contains historical information about Colorado County, Texas including personal accounts and research into area stories.

In October 2007, the United States and Mexico announced the Mérida Initiative, a three-year program of U.S. assistance to Mexico and Central America to combat drug trafficking, gangs, and organized crime. This report provides an overview and discussion of the funding provided for Mérida, and presents several issues that Congress may consider as it oversees implementation of the Initiative and shapes its future direction.