This week, Representative María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) introduced a bipartisan bill titled “Proteger la Democracia Hondureña” alongside Representatives Joaquín Castro (D-TX), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Norma Torres (D-CA), Mike Lawler (R-NY), and Mark Green (R-TN). The bill aims to defend democracy in the Western Hemisphere by ensuring international observation of the Honduran presidential elections scheduled for November 2025. It seeks to prevent potential manipulation by the current socialist government.
“The people of Honduras do not deserve another attempt at a power grab by the corrupt and authoritarian Zelaya family,” stated Congresswoman Salazar. “They have the right to choose their leaders freely and fairly. By protecting democracy in Honduras, we help prevent instability before it spreads, as what happens there affects South Florida and threatens U.S. national security.”
“Democratic governance depends on election integrity. As Honduras prepares for its 2025 presidential elections, it is crucial that all actors — national and international — support efforts to ensure a free, fair, and transparent electoral process,” said Congressman Castro. “The United States reaffirms its bipartisan commitment to work with the Honduran people, civil society, and institutions to uphold the rule of law.”
The proposed legislation aims to prevent instability in the Western Hemisphere through several measures:
– Expressing Congressional concerns about potential election fraud.
– Directing the State Department to develop a strategy for monitoring elections.
– Authorizing collaboration between the State Department and international organizations for election oversight.
– Revoking U.S. visas for Honduran officials who commit fraud.
– Allocating one million dollars from the State Department budget for election monitoring.
Background:
Instability in the Western Hemisphere not only impacts South Florida but also poses a threat to U.S. national security. In Honduras, the Zelaya family first came into power in 2006 when Manuel Zelaya won elections. He spent three years promoting a socialist agenda until 2009 when he was removed by military forces after attempting constitutional changes to extend his presidency. His wife, Xiomara Castro de Zelaya, has been president since 2022 and has worked towards aligning Honduras with authoritarian regimes like those in Venezuela and Nicaragua. Earlier this year, issues during primary elections raised questions about result legitimacy.
You can read the full bill here.
