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Pelosi, Congressional Delegation Conclude Visit to Guatemala

August 9, 2019

Contact: Speaker's Press Office,
202-226-7616

Guatemala City – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement concluding the Congressional delegation's meetings in Guatemala with humanitarian, civic, business and judicial leaders:
"The purpose of our visit to the Northern Triangle was to enhance regional stability and engage leaders in a discussion of migration. It was, therefore, appropriate that our visit to Guatemala began at a USAID-supported shelter assisting the safe transition of recently returned Central American migrant children, who are victims of violence. While the visit was sobering, we were encouraged to see the positive impact made by El Refugio de la Niñez on the lives of vulnerable youth.
"Our day proceeded with an informative country team briefing led by the U.S. Ambassador to Guatemala Luis Arreaga. We next met with the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) and recognized the members' courageous work in combating corruption. It is critical that the work championed by CICIG be reestablished by future Guatemalan administrations.
"We were also pleased to meet with another courageous group: judges who highlighted the importance of an independent judiciary in fighting impunity and corruption. The judges further emphasized the need to uphold the rule of law to increase economic opportunities for all and to strengthen democratic institutions.
"Later in the day, we engaged in meaningful dialogues with civil society leaders and representatives from international NGOs. The leaders underscored the positive role of U.S.-supported initiatives in ensuring regional stability and the well-being of Guatemalans, which in turn reduces migration to the U.S. The delegation believes that given the proven success of these projects, U.S. support must be restored.
"At the day's conclusion, our delegation participated in a roundtable with business leaders where we discussed the need to enhance economic opportunities for all Guatemalans to thrive safely at home.
"Throughout our meetings, Members acknowledged the importance of a strong U.S.-Guatemala relationship personified by Congresswoman Norma Torres, a Member of our delegation who was born in Guatemala. It was a joy for us to see the jubilant welcome she received upon her return. We thank Ambassador Arreaga and his team at the embassy for making the visit of our delegation so productive."
Members of the delegation include:
Speaker Nancy Pelosi
Chairman Eliot Engel, Foreign Affairs Committee and Energy & Commerce Committee
Chairwoman Nydia Velázquez, Small Business Committee, Financial Services Committee and Natural Resources Committee
Chairman Jim McGovern, Rules Committee, Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission and Agriculture Committee
Chairwoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee
Congressman Henry Cuellar, Appropriations Committee
Congresswoman Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen, Natural Resource Committee, Small Business Committee and Veterans' Affairs Committee
Congresswoman Norma Torres, Appropriations Committee and Rules Committee
Congressman Anthony Brown, Armed Services Committee, Ethics Committee, Natural Resources Committee and Transportation & Infrastructure Committee
Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, Judiciary Committee, Rules Committee and Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress
Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García, Financial Services Committee and Transportation & Infrastructure Committee
Congresswoman Katie Hill, Armed Services Committee, Committee on Oversight & Reform and Science, Space & Technology Committee
Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, Education & Labor Committee, Homeland Security Committee and Veterans' Affairs Committee
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