North Miami-Dade News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Chairwoman of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), and Representative Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) promoted their historic Americas Act before the Council of the Americas at the Organization of American States (OAS).

In a time when China is increasingly penetrating the Western Hemisphere, the Americas Act is touted as the best way for the United States to show our Latin American allies that we will always remain their top trading partner and ally in the world.

"We know that Latin America has been forgotten in recent decades," said Congresswoman Salazar. "The Americas Act sends a message to our Latin American neighbors that if they improve their democracies, solidify their judicial systems, protect freedom of speech and liberate their markets, the United States will allow them to join USMCA, the gold standard of trade agreements."

The Americas Act is based on the fundamental premise that nations in our hemisphere who value democracy and free market should be able to do business with the United States more easily. The legislation aims to bring U.S. companies back from China to both America and Western Hemisphere while providing jobs and opportunities as it reverses incentives for emigration.

As a gateway to the Americas, Miami stands at the center of international trade between America and Latin America. Over 70% of Florida's exports go to Latin America. Hundreds of thousands of Congresswoman Salazar's constituents have Latin American heritage and understand the importance of keeping our hemisphere out of China's reach.

This bill will greatly expand economic opportunities for Miami by unlocking potential trade with our allies. Strong trade relationships marked by shared respect for democracy, human rights, and rule of law will ensure Miami remains a beacon of American freedom and prosperity.

Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar is Chairwoman of Western Hemisphere Subcommittee on House Foreign Affairs Committee and is a leader in Congress on Latin American foreign policy. She continues to help promote U.S. priorities in the region. Salazar represents Florida's 27th Congressional District.