North Miami-Dade News

Washington, D.C. - A resolution has been introduced by Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar and Rep. Chip Roy to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Monroe Doctrine. The Monroe Doctrine, first conceptualized by then-Secretary of State John Quincy Adams and delivered by President James Monroe, has been crucial in keeping America safe from foreign influence over the past two centuries.

"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."

The original purpose of the Monroe Doctrine was to counter colonial influence in the Americas. While the colonial powers of England, Spain, and France no longer hold sway in the Atlantic, new powers such as China, Russia, and Iran are seeking to challenge American dominance in the region.

China's trade with Latin America has seen a staggering 3,000% increase in the last 20 years, with growing weapons sales to countries like Bolivia and Venezuela. They have even established a deep space station in Argentina and spy bases in Cuba, while also constructing a deep-water port in Peru. The Russians and Iranians have also been selling military equipment to countries like Bolivia and Venezuela, and have been building a military presence in Nicaragua.

These developments pose a clear and present danger to America's economic and national security interests, and action must be taken to address this challenge. Rep. Salazar's resolution serves as an important step in the right direction by acknowledging the problem. As Chairwoman of the Western Hemisphere Committee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Salazar has been vocal about the growing anti-American influence in the Americas.

"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 others 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."

The resolution has garnered support from several other representatives, including Carlos Giménez, Warren Davidson, Keith Self, Cory Mills, William Timmons, Chris Smith, Lance Gooden, Byron Donalds, Jeff Duncan, Jenniffer González-Colón, Randy Weber, John Moolenaar, Randy Feenstra, and Mike Lawler.

The Monroe Doctrine remains a cornerstone of the United States' diplomatic posture, safeguarding American sovereignty and independence from malign overseas influence. As the nation commemorates the 200th anniversary of this doctrine, it serves as a reminder of the need to remain vigilant against foreign powers seeking to undermine American interests in the Western Hemisphere.

To learn more, click on this link: https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-introduces-resolution-reaffirming-monroe-doctrine