ExecutiveOrdersEO
DetDeterminationG.W. Bush · R

Presidential Determination

Continuation of U.S. Drug Interdiction Assistance to the Government of Colombia

President Bush certified that Colombia requires U.S. assistance for aerial interdiction of suspected drug trafficking aircraft, finding that such interdiction is necessary due to the extraordinary threat of drug trafficking to Colombia's national security and that Colombia has adequate procedures to protect innocent life. This determination continues authority originally granted under the 1995 NDAA.

Federal Register Open PDF 69 FR 52807

Impact dates

  1. Secretary of State to publish determination in Federal Register and notify Congress

Key directives

  • Certify Colombia meets statutory criteria for aerial interdiction assistance
  • Secretary of State shall publish determination in Federal Register
  • Secretary of State shall notify Congress of this determination

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Certification takes effect upon signing
  • Secretary of State directed to publish in Federal Register and notify Congress

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

  • Continued U.S. military/intelligence support for Colombian aerial interdiction operations

Risks & tensions

  • Use of force against aircraft in foreign airspace carries risk of mistaken identity and civilian casualties
  • Annual recertification requirement creates ongoing congressional oversight tension
  • Text does not specify duration of this certification—assumed annual based on statutory framework
Presidential Determination: Continuation of U.S. Drug Interdiction Assistance to the Government of Colombia · Executive Orders