North Miami-Dade News

Today, Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH) issued a letter to the State Department and the U.S. Agency on International Development (USAID), seeking an explanation for what they perceive as undue interference in Guatemalan domestic affairs.

The representatives were 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). They expressed concern over the use of U.S. federal resources, such as sanctions or foreign aid influence, to shape policy outcomes in other countries, arguing that this infringes upon those nations' sovereignty and liberty.

In their view, 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 criticized the Biden Administration's treatment of Latin American allies, including Guatemala. She contends that instead of collaborating with Guatemalan officials to address mutual issues, President Biden chose to sanction Attorney General Consuelo Porras, prioritizing ideology over America’s national interest.

Salazar insists that the United States should respect its allies as sovereign nations rather than imposing progressive values upon them. She represents thousands of Guatemalan-Americans in Florida’s 27th Congressional District.

To read the full letter, click here.