North Miami-Dade News

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

"The promise of the Monroe Doctrine of American independence in the Western Hemisphere has kept us safe for 200 years," said Congresswoman Salazar. "Today, the threats to our security and freedom 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 the United States is still in charge."

The Monroe Doctrine, first conceptualized by then-Secretary of State John Quincy Adams and presented by President James Monroe in his seventh State of the Union address, has continuously protected the United States from foreign influence for two centuries. Initially conceived by the Founding Fathers as a national security strategy to suppress colonial influence in the Americas, the need for a "Monroe Doctrine" in the modern era is greater than ever.

"While England, Spain, and France no longer dominate 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," the Resolution states.

The Resolution highlights China's increasing trade with Latin America, which has skyrocketed by 3,000% in the past 20 years, including the growing sales of Karakorum-8 fighter jets to Bolivia and Venezuela. China also operates a space station in Argentina and spy bases in Cuba, while constructing a deep-water port in Peru.

The Resolution also raises concerns about Russian and Iranian arms sales to America's enemies in the region, including military equipment to Bolivia and Venezuela, as well as their growing military presence in Nicaragua.

"These events pose a clear and present danger to U.S. economic and national security interests and must be reversed immediately," the Resolution emphasizes. Congresswoman Salazar's Resolution provides an important first step in the right direction by bringing awareness to the issue.

As Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Congresswoman Salazar has been sounding the alarm about the growing anti-American influence in the Americas since taking office.

"This Saturday marks the bicentennial 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 interference of foreign powers in the Western Hemisphere," said Representative Roy. "Now, just like then, we must stand firm against external forces that undermine our partnerships with allies on this side of the world. President Monroe's concern about the influence of foreign powers in the Americas takes on a new urgency as adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, and others seek to increase their footholds in the region and undermine our freedom, security, and way of life. I am proud to cosponsor this Resolution with my friend, Representative María Salazar."

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

Joining Congresswoman Salazar and Representative Roy in this Resolution are Congressmen 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).

For the full text of the Resolution, click here.

To find out more, go to this link: https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresista-salazar-presenta-resolucion-que-reafirma-la-doctrina-monroe