1.  For what purpose did President Bush add more than $500 million to a pending $196 billion war-funding bill?

2.  Why did congressmen from both parties criticize the Bush administration for this addition?

3.  How will the Merida Initiative assist Mexico and Central America? Be specific.

4.  How much money does the U.S. usually give Mexico each year to help fight drug trafficking and organized crime?

5.  How did officials from the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs and the Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs explain the increase?

6.  Why do you think the Bush administration added the funding for Mexico without consulting Congress?

7.  Do you think the Bush administration should have consulted Congress before adding the aid to Mexico?  Explain your answer.