Reps. Torres & Wagner Re-Launch Congressional Central America Caucus

Press Release

U.S. Representatives Norma J. Torres (CA-35) and Ann Wagner (MO-02) today re-launched the Congressional Central American Caucus for the 117th Congress.

Founded in November 2015, the Congressional Central America Caucus is a bipartisan group of Members of Congress who are committed to learning about the region, monitoring U.S. foreign assistance, developing ideas for improving policy, and fostering the relationship between the United States and these nations. With the Biden Administration's recent focus on U.S. policy in the region, robust Congressional engagement is even more critical to ensure these funds are spent wisely and that the results are sustained.

Torres, who is the sole Central American currently serving in Congress, founded the Caucus and has co-Chaired with a Republican counterpart ever since. The 117th Congress is Rep. Wagner's second Congress serving as co-Chair.

The lawmakers released the following statements:

"I'm thrilled to announce that the important work of the Central American Caucus continues in the 117th Congress," Rep. Torres said. "Over the last five years, the Caucus has provided lawmakers from both sides of the aisle with information and access to better understand the complex challenges in the region, and how those challenges in turn impact the United States. These insights are indispensable for lawmakers as we work to help stabilize the region and support the rule of law. I thank Congresswoman Wagner for joining me again as co-Chair, and look forward to another two years of this productive partnership."

"This caucus will help address the many challenges in Central America and how they directly impact us here in the United States," Rep. Wagner said. "Violence and instability in this region serve the transnational criminal organizations that traffic in dangerous drugs and, tragically, vulnerable men, women, and children. It is critical we take action to ensure these communities are safe places to live and raise a family.

"It is important we address the root cause of migration out of Central America so no one feels like they need to undertake the dangerous trek to the United States at great risk to themselves and others," Wagner continued. "I have personally visited Central American communities, and I met courageous families that are committed to working with the United States to build a more prosperous future for their home countries. These partnerships can help prevent future illegal immigration that can harm families abroad and here at home. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this vital issue."

Over the last five years, the Congressional Central American Caucus has met with visiting heads of state, facilitated briefings with high-level U.S. government officials, and used its leverage to influence U.S. policy towards the region.

Caucus members include U.S. Representatives Torres (D-CA), Wagner (R-MO), Grijalva (D-AZ), Crawford (R-AR), Sires (D-NJ), Buck (R-CO), McGovern (D-MA), Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Gomez (D-CA), Salazar (R-FL),Titus (D-NV), Cardenas (D-CA), Schakowsky (D-IL), Vargas (D-CA), Gallego (D-AZ), Roybal-Allard (D-CA), Garcia (D-TX), Pocan (D-WI), and Castro (D-TX).

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