After months of debate, Mexican Congress passed a historic energy reform package granting Pemex greater autonomy and the right to sign incentive-based contracts with private firms.

Drug-related violence continues to plague Mexico despite President Calderon’s efforts to stem the violence. Recent U.S. congressional approval of funding to help combat drug and gang violence is the first step in a larger multilateral assistance agreement.

President Felipe Calderón presented a much-anticipated energy reform proposal to Mexico's Congress on April 8. Politics and questions about private investment will determine the fate of the bill.