Bush seeks funds to combat Mexican drug trade

President George W. Bush on Monday asked Congress for $500 million to help Mexico combat the narcotics trade, a request that is part of a larger program for cooperation on the issue, the White House said on Monday.

"The United States will do all it can to support Mexico's efforts to break the power and impunity of drug organizations and to strengthen Mexico's capabilities to deal with these common threats," White House press secretary Dana Perino said in a statement.

The initial request is part of a program that will total $1.4 billion.

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The plan comes as the United States is struggling to compete with other powers in providing assistance and wielding influence in Latin America and elsewhere.

Bush and Mexican President Felipe Calderon have been hammering out the final details of the counternarcotics plan for several weeks.

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The administration has credited Calderon with successes in cracking down on drug cartels since he took office.

"Already, President's Calderon's decisive actions have had a positive effect in the United States," Perino said. "They have disrupted drug trafficker supply lines and have contributed to shortages in cocaine and methamphetamine supply across the nation," she added.