Salazar Champions Americas Act at the Organization of American States

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) championed their landmark Americas Act before the Council of the Americas at the Organization of American States (OAS).

At a time when China is penetrating the Western Hemisphere more every day, the Americas Act is the best way for the United States to show our allies in Latin America that we will always remain the best trading partner and ally in the world.

“We know that Latin America has been forgotten over the last few decades,” said Chairwoman Salazar. “The Americas Act sends a message to our Latin American neighbors that if they improve their democracies, solidify their judicial systems, protect freedom of expression, and free their markets, the United States will allow them to join USMCA, the gold standard of trade agreements.”

The Americas Act is built on the fundamental premise that nations in our hemisphere who value democracy and free markets should be able to do business with the United States more easily. The legislation brings U.S. companies back from China to the United States and the Western Hemisphere, providing jobs and opportunities while reversing the incentives for migration.

As the Gateway to the Americas, Miami is at the center of international trade between the United States and Latin America. Over 70% of Florida’s exports go to Latin America. Hundreds of thousands of Congresswoman Salazar’s constituents have Latin American heritage and understand the importance of keeping our hemisphere out of the hands of China.

This bill will greatly expand economic opportunity for Miami by unleashing the potential of trade with our allies. Strong trading relationships marked by a shared respect for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law will ensure Miami remains a beacon of American liberty and prosperity.

Salazar is the Chairwoman of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and is a leader in Congress on foreign policy in Latin America. She continues to help advance U.S. priorities in the region. Salazar represents Florida’s 27th congressional district.

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