Torres: Restrict Foreign Assistance to Central Governments in Central American

Press Release

Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35), the only Central American serving in Congress, this week penned a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan requesting the Department of State and the White House severely restrict foreign assistance to central governments in Central America.

In the letter, Congresswoman Torres expresses her serious concern about U.S. taxpayer dollars entering the hands of corrupt government officials in the region at no benefit to those in need. She instead urges the prioritization of federal assistance for civil society, nongovernmental organizations, and multilateral organizations with proven histories of supporting the most vulnerable communities in Central America.

A member of the Appropriations State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee, Congresswoman Torres writes:

"I implore you to resist sending money directly to the hands of corrupt officials. Our foreign assistance should not validate and prop up would-be authoritarians, nor should it be wasted on corrupt public actors who benefit from public funding rather than those who need it most."

Torres has long championed holding corrupt officials accountable and ensuring U.S. funding benefits the people. In the 2020 Omnibus funding bill, Torres secured a reporting requirement for a list of corrupt officials in the Northern Triangle and what actions the Department of State and Department of Treasury have taken against these individuals. Torres also eliminated military funding to the three countries. More about her work in Central America is available here.

Following continuous revelations from the region that point to corruption in the highest levels of government, Torres encouraged the administration to champion a strategy focused on reputable partners in the Northern Triangle and offers her support in that endeavor.

Congresswoman Torres released the following statement:

"The delivery of U.S. foreign assistance must reflect our American values and shared desire to ensure democracy and the rule of law across the globe," Rep. Norma J. Torres said. "That's why I'm urging the White House and the Department of State to prioritize anti-corruption efforts in the region by restricting taxpayer dollars from further enriching and empowering the strongmen of Central American governments. After four years of the Trump administration allowing corruption to run rampant in the Northern Triangle, I look forward to working with the Biden administration to reestablish our essential role in ensuring a safer and fairer life for the millions of people living in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras."

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