The Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) is a multi-million dollar effort by the U.S. State Department to combat the effects of organized crime and strengthen the rule of law in Central America. Between fiscal years 2008 and 2011, the United States provided Central America with $361.5 million through the Merida Initiative and CARSI. Congress has approved an additional $105 million for CARSI in fiscal year 2012.