Foreign Affairs Committee Approves Bipartisan Measure on Corruption in Central America
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the House Committee on Foreign Affairs unanimously approved H.Res 145, a resolution introduced by Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-CA) along with John R. Moolenaar (R-MI) to reaffirm the United States Congress's commitment to fighting corruption in Central America.
"Today's unanimous approval of this bipartisan resolution is a recognition that combatting corruption is the key to progress on all fronts in Central America – from addressing drug and human trafficking to reducing sexual violence to creating greater economic opportunities," said Rep. Torres. "In Guatemala, we have seen CICIG lead the way under the strong leadership of Ivan Velázquez and with the support of President Jimmy Morales. The progress they have achieved thus far underscores how important it is for governments throughout the region to cooperate with anti-corruption efforts and for the United States to be an active, engaged, and effective partner in those efforts."
The resolution states that efforts to fight corruption must remain at the center of U.S. policy in Central America, that the Mission to Support the Fight against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH) and the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) are important contributions to these efforts, and that the governments of Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador should cooperate with MACCIH and CICIG and the Attorneys General of the region.
"It is encouraging to see the Foreign Affairs Committee advance this important resolution for the future of Central America," said Rep. Moolenaar. "The United States supports the efforts of our allies to fight corruption and create better lives for the people of the region."
The resolution was introduced on February 16th and is also cosponsored by: Rep. Michael T. McCaul (R-TX), Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee; Rep. Eliot L. Engel (D-NY), Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee; Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee; Rep. David G. Valadao (R-CA), co-chair of the Central America Caucus; Rep. Kelly L. Robin (D-IL). Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX); Rep. David N. Cicilline (D-RI), Rep. Don Young (R-AK); Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA); and Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX).
The text of the legislation can be found HERE. Video of the markup, during which several Foreign Affairs Committee members gave statement in support of the resolution, can be found HERE.