U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar Florida's 27th District | Official U.S. House headshot
U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar Florida's 27th District | Official U.S. House headshot
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) questioned senior State Department officials on the Biden Administration’s Latin America policy at a hearing hosted by the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
"The Biden Administration must answer for its confusing policies towards our friends and enemies in the Western Hemisphere, including opening up the U.S. banking system to supposedly 'independent' Cuban entrepreneurs, and intervening in the affairs of the Guatemalan Attorney General’s office," Salazar stated.
As Chairwoman of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Salazar has repeatedly raised concerns about growing threats in Latin America.
Chairwoman Salazar began her questioning by addressing Brian Nichols, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, regarding El Salvador. She praised President Nayib Bukele’s law and order program that has transformed El Salvador from one of the most dangerous countries to one of the safest in the region. Nichols acknowledged that the "Bukele model" has been successful.
Salazar then shifted her focus to Cuba policy. She criticized recent regulatory changes allowing "independent small businesses" in Cuba to use U.S. banks, suggesting these could facilitate money laundering. Nichols argued that existing "Know Your Customer" (KYC) measures would prevent such activities. However, Salazar pointed out that these transactions involve parties outside the U.S., potentially bypassing KYC requirements.
Salazar concluded her questioning by addressing Todd Robinson, Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, about sanctions against Guatemalan Attorney General Consuelo Porras. Robinson cited undermining democracy as a reason for sanctions but did not provide specific details. Salazar noted that other leaders in Latin America have engaged in similar actions without facing consequences.
To watch Chairwoman Salazar's full line of questioning, click here.
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