Congressman Brown Meets with Colombian Ambassador Juan Carlos Pinzón

Press Release

Congressman Anthony Brown (MD-04) welcomed Colombian Ambassador Pinzón to Capitol Hill today and had a productive meeting about U.S.-Colombia counter-drug efforts, U.S. foreign assistance to Colombia, the reduction of violence and drug trafficking in Colombia during the past decade, and strengthening bilateral cooperation through "Peace Columbia.'

"The strategic relationship between the United States and Colombia is critical to the Hemisphere," said Congressman Brown. "I am pleased that Colombia and the insurgent group FARC are taking the needed steps to implement their historic peace deal, and the United States must keep its promises to support these critical post-conflict efforts."

Since 2000, Plan Colombia, a bilateral cooperation agreement aimed at improving Colombia's security, increasing development and strengthening their institutions, has tackled illegal drugs and achieved considerable progress in combating violence, lowering poverty and paving the way for the peace. U.S. support through Plan Colombia has helped decrease violence and bolster economic growth. The program has enjoyed strong bipartisan support through three successive Administrations, and garnered nearly $10 billion in support from Congress between FY2000 and FY2016.

In 2016, then President Obama unveiled "Peace Colombia' -- a plan to increase U.S. aid to Colombia to at least $450 million to help secure the peace deal with FARC rebels. Peace Colombia will focus on security, counternarcotics, and extending opportunity, rule of law and other essential services. Currently the U.S. gives around $310 million in aid to Colombia. The Obama Administration requested Congress increase foreign assistance to $390 million in FY2017, an additional $60 million to fund ongoing aid and Defense Department counternarcotics programs, and $33 million for de-mining. House and Senate Appropriations Committees supported President Obama's requests last year.

"I am deeply troubled that President Trump's budget fails to mention the increased aid to Colombia and has proposed drastic cuts to our diplomatic efforts and foreign assistance," added Congressman Brown. "These choices will weaken the US-Colombian alliance and endanger the hard-fought peace. As the number of overdose deaths involving cocaine and heroin reach record levels, abandoning our partnership with Colombia will have a significant impact on the public health crisis my District and communities across America. I am committed to restoring cuts to aid and continuing our friendship."

President Trump has proposed a 28 percent cut for U.S. diplomacy and foreign aid. Foreign assistance represents less than 1 percent of the federal budget.

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