S.Amdt. 6841

Mr. Kelly submitted the amendment, known as the Nicholas Douglas Quets United States-Mexico Rapid Response for Victims of Crime Act. The purpose of the amendment is to establish a policy where the United States collaborates in a bilateral rapid response to ensure efficient communication and coordination between United States and Mexican authorities when responding to serious crimes involving United States citizens in Mexico.

To achieve this, the amendment aims to add a new section to the bill that allows the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Attorney General, to engage with the Government of Mexico to negotiate and establish a bilateral rapid response protocol. Specifically, the amendment adds:

• A statement of policy regarding bilateral rapid response and communication for serious crimes against United States citizens in Mexico.
• Definitions for terms such as appropriate congressional committees, protocol, and serious crime.
• Establishment procedures for the Secretary of State and Attorney General to negotiate the protocol with Mexico.
• Recommended elements for the protocol, which include notification mechanisms, secure communication channels, crime scene procedures, evidence-sharing standards, extradition coordination, points of contact for victims' families, and joint training opportunities.
• Reporting requirements requiring the Secretary of State to submit progress reports and implementation reports to appropriate congressional committees.
• Rules of construction ensuring the protocol does not limit sovereignty, require procedures inconsistent with Mexican law, alter existing authorities, or affect constitutional rights.