Salazar Questions State Department Overreach in Guatemala

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) joined Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH) in sending a letter to the State Department and the U.S. Agency on International Development (USAID) demanding an explanation for imposing themselves inappropriately in Guatemalan domestic affairs.

Reps. Salazar and Davidson were also joined by Reps. Andy Ogles (R-TN), Keith Self (R-TX), Scott Perry (R-PA), Carlos Gimenéz (R-FL), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Andy Harris (R-MD), Debbie Lesko (R-AZ), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), and Brian Mast (R-FL).

Using U.S. federal resources like sanctions or influence through foreign aid to exact preferred policy outcomes in another country violates that country’s sovereignty and liberty. In this case, the State Department is using its powers to impose progressive ideals on a conservative nation.

“Officials from the U.S. Department of State and USAID have no legitimate authority to press for ideological changes in Guatemala that compromise their Constitution or deeply held values concerning life and family,” wrote Rep. Salazar. “The Administration’s progressive ideological agenda is a national security concern as it is increasing anti-American sentiment abroad, particularly in conservative nations.”

Congresswoman Salazar has repeatedly denounced the poor treatment our allies in Latin America have received from the Biden Administration, including Guatemala. Instead of working with officials from Guatemala to tackle the issues that affect both of our countries, President Biden opted to sanction Attorney General Consuelo Porras, placing ideology over America’s national interest. The United States must treat our allies as sovereign nations instead of imposing progressive values.

To read the full letter, click here.

Congresswoman Salazar represents thousands of Guatemalan-Americans in Florida’s 27th Congressional District.

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