WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), ranking member and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today applauded the committee’s passage of the Western Hemisphere Partnership Act, legislation to strengthen U.S. diplomatic, economic, and security relations with democratic countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
“The United States has an enduring interest in a prosperous, democratic, and stable Western Hemisphere. As malign state actors like Russia, China, and Iran seek to expand their footprint in the hemisphere, we must strengthen regional cooperation with our democratic neighbors to achieve these goals," said Ranking Member Risch. “This legislation builds off my previous legislative efforts to enhance our security and commercial relations with democratic countries in Latin America and the Caribbean."
“I applaud today’s Committee passage of our Western Hemisphere Partnership Act, crucial bipartisan legislation that lays out a comprehensive policy framework for generating inclusive economic growth, strengthening democratic governance, and deepening security collaboration throughout the Western Hemisphere. Against the backdrop of rising geopolitical competition and mounting regional humanitarian, security, economic, and political crises, the United States’ efforts to deepen our relationships with democratic neighbors are more important than ever. As our bill moves next to the Senate Floor, I affirm my commitment to work to secure its passage, and to set the stage for increased cooperation with our partners across the Americas," said Chairman Menendez.
The Western Hemisphere Partnership Act encourages the Biden Administration to:
* Promote a more competitive environment for U.S. businesses;
* Improve technical capacity of military and police forces in the region; and
* Strengthen the capacity of institutions to govern democratically.
Full text of the legislation can be found here.