ExecutiveOrdersEO
DetDeterminationObama · D

Presidential Determination

Provision of U.S. Drug Interdiction Assistance to the Government of Brazil

President Obama certified Brazil as eligible for U.S. drug interdiction assistance under a 1995 statute, specifically authorizing support for intercepting aircraft suspected of illicit drug trafficking in Brazilian airspace. The determination requires Brazil to have procedures protecting against innocent loss of life, including warning protocols before use of force.

Federal Register Open PDF 74 FR 54429

Impact dates

  1. Publication in Federal Register and congressional notification

Key directives

  • Certify Brazil's eligibility for drug interdiction assistance under 22 U.S.C. 2291-4
  • Secretary of State to publish determination in Federal Register
  • Secretary of State to notify Congress of this determination

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Certification takes effect upon signing; Brazil becomes eligible for U.S. drug interdiction assistance
  • Secretary of State directed to publish in Federal Register and notify Congress

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

  • Ongoing U.S.-Brazil counter-narcotics cooperation framework established

Risks & tensions

  • Use-of-force provisions for aircraft interdiction carry inherent risk of civilian casualties despite warning requirements
  • Certification relies on U.S. assessment of Brazilian procedures rather than independent verification
Presidential Determination: Provision of U.S. Drug Interdiction Assistance to the Government of Brazil · Executive Orders