North Miami-Dade News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) interrogated U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the Biden Administration’s policies towards Cuba, Colombia, Venezuela, and Argentina. While expressing concerns over the Administration’s stance on Cuba and Colombia, Chairwoman Salazar noted some positive outcomes regarding Venezuela and Argentina.

The Biden Administration’s recent actions towards Cuba include removing the country from a list of nations uncooperative with U.S. counterterrorism efforts and allowing Cuban officials to tour TSA antiterrorism infrastructure at Miami International Airport. Chairwoman Salazar questioned Secretary Blinken about plans to remove Cuba from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism. Blinken responded that Cuba's classification changed due to the Colombian government no longer seeking the extradition of ELN terrorists residing in Cuba and stated there are no short-term plans to reclassify Cuba under the Export Controls Act.

Salazar also pressed Secretary Blinken on potential actions if President Gustavo Petro of Colombia proceeds with constitutional changes without Congressional approval. Blinken indicated that reevaluation would be necessary only if President Petro decides to extend his power.

On Venezuela, both Salazar and Blinken agreed on maintaining pressure on the Maduro regime to ensure free elections and respect for their results. Chairwoman Salazar emphasized her commitment to advocating for Venezuelan freedom through her role on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Concluding her questioning, Salazar inquired about including Argentina in President Biden’s Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity (APEP) initiative under President Javier Milei's pro-American leadership. Secretary Blinken expressed receptiveness to this suggestion and agreed to present it to President Biden. The day before the hearing, Salazar had written a letter urging President Biden to include Argentina and Paraguay in APEP, highlighting its potential benefits for American, Argentine, and Paraguayan economies.

To watch Chairwoman Salazar’s full line of questioning, click here.

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