July 09, 2020

Torres Delivers Support for Rule of Law, Accountability in N. Triangle

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35), a member of the House Appropriations Committee and the only Central American serving in Congress, today included multiple provisions in the must-pass FY21 State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill to fight corruption, protect vulnerable populations and root out corrupt actors in the Northern Triangle.

Rep. Torres' provisions include:

  • Anti-Corruption Funding: $45 million for anti-corruption and rule of law efforts in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.
  • Protection for Women & Children: $20 million for programs in the Northern Triangle to protect women and children.
  • Corruption & Accountability: Report language on a list of corrupt individuals in the Northern Triangle countries.

Rep. Torres released the following statement:

"As a young girl, I saw the toll that corruption takes on a society and its people," Rep. Torres said. "The suffering and instability that follow when the rule of law collapses are the driving factors for many of the asylum seekers desperate for shelter at our southern border today. So I am glad my fellow appropriators joined me in recognizing the important role U.S. foreign policy has in combatting corruption in the Northern Triangle, and I look forward to continuing bipartisan efforts to support the rule of law in the region."

Rep. Torres is the founding member of the Central American Caucus and Co-Chair of the New American Caucus in Congress.

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