Number: RS22701
Title: Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America: An Overview and Selected Issue
Authors: M. Angeles Villarreal, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division; Jennifer E. Lake, Domestic Social Policy Division 
Abstract: The Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP) is a three-country initiative that is intended to increase cooperation and information sharing in an effort to increase and enhance prosperity in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The SPP was endorsed by the leaders of the three countries, but it is not a signed agreement or treaty and, therefore, contains no legally binding commitments or obligations. The goals of the prosperity components of the SPP are to increase cooperation and sharing of information in order to improve productivity, reduce the costs of trade, and enhance the quality of life. The goal of the security components of the SPP is to coordinate the security efforts undertaken by each of the three participating nations to better protect citizens from terrorist threats and transnational crime while promoting the safe and efficient movement of legitimate people and goods. Congressional interest in the SPP concerns possible implications related to the North American economic cooperation, national sovereignty, transportation corridors, cargo security, and border facilitation.
Pages: 6
Date: January 29, 2008