Salazar Introduces Resolution Reaffirming Monroe Doctrine

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) introduced a resolution to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Monroe Doctrine.

First conceptualized by then-Secretary of State John Quincy Adams and delivered by President James Monroe at his seventh State of the Union, the Monroe Doctrine has continuously kept America safe from foreign influence for 200 years.

“The Monroe Doctrine’s promise of American independence in the Western Hemisphere has kept us safe for 200 years,” said Rep. Salazar. “Today, threats to our security and liberty no longer come from England, France, or Spain, but from China, Russia, and Iran. By passing my resolution, Congress will send a clear message to the world that America is still in charge.”

First conceived by the Founding Fathers as a national security strategy to stifle colonial influence in the Americas, the need for a ‘Monroe Doctrine’ for the modern era is greater than ever. While England, Spain, and France no longer rule the Atlantic, the new colonial communist and authoritarian powers based in Beijing, Moscow, and Tehran seek to challenge American hegemony in our hemisphere once again.

Chinese trade with Latin America has exploded by 3,000% in the last 20 years, including growing weapons sales of Karakorum-8 fighter jets to Bolivia and Venezuela. China also operates a deep space station in Argentina and spy bases throughout Cuba, all while constructing a deep-water port in Peru.

The Russians and Iranians have also been selling weapons to our enemies in the Americas, including selling military equipment to Bolivia and Venezuela while building a military presence in Nicaragua.

These developments present a clear and present danger to America’s economic and national security interests, and must be reversed immediately. Rep. Salazar’s resolution provides a significant first step in the right direction by having Congress recognize the problem. As Chairwoman of the Western Hemisphere Committee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Salazar has been sounding the alarm on growing anti-American influence in the Americas since assuming the position.

“Saturday marks the 200th anniversary of the Monroe Doctrine, in which the United States sent an unequivocal message to the rest of the world that we would not tolerate the meddling of foreign powers in the Western Hemisphere,” said Rep. Roy. “Now, just as then, we must stand resolute against outside forces that undercut our partnerships with our allies on this side of the globe. President Monroe’s concern about foreign powers influencing the Americas now takes on new urgency as adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, and other seek to increase their footholds in the region and undermine our freedom, security, and way of life. I’m proud to cosponsor this resolution with my friend Rep. Maria Salazar.”

"I'm proud to join my colleagues in commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Monroe Doctrine, a milestone in our nation's history," said Rep. Mills. "This doctrine remains a cornerstone of our diplomatic posture, safeguarding American sovereignty and independence from malign overseas influence."

Reps. Salazar and Roy are joined on this resolution by Carlos Giménez (R-FL), Warren Davidson (R-OH), Keith Self (R-TX), Cory Mills (R-FL), William Timmons (R-SC), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Lance Gooden (R-TX), Byron Donalds (R-FL), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR), Randy Weber (R-TX), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), and Mike Lawler (R-NY).

To read the full resolution, click here.

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