Torres Influences Central America Policy in Key Appropriations Bill

Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC -- Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35), the sole Central American serving in Congress and Co-Chair of the Congressional Central America Caucus, today announced numerous provisions focused on U.S.-Central America policy that she included in the fiscal year 2022 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill being considered by the Committee this week. Rep. Torres is a member of the powerful Appropriations Committee, as well as a member of the State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee.

"The United States has a vested interest in helping to stabilize Central America and protect the people who live there," Rep. Norma J. Torres said. "The lawlessness and impunity fostered by authoritarian leaders in the region continues to drive migration to our southern border, and undermines our efforts to promote human rights in our own hemisphere. I am pleased that so many of the provisions I championed in support of the rule of law and the Central American people are included in the FY22 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill. It is a testament to the positive impact that the United States will continue to play for the region and the people who call it home."

Torres provisions include, among others:

Removal of all foreign military funding for El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
$60 million for anti-corruption efforts in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, including support to FECI in Guatemala and UFERCO in Honduras.
$30 million that can be used for bilateral compacts to protect women and children in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. This provision is based on Torres' bill, the Central American Women and Children Protection Act. More information is available here.
$1 million for Inter-America Foundation economic exchanges with indigenous peoples in the Western Hemisphere and Native American tribes. This provision builds upon Torres' previous support for fostering coordination and collaboration between these groups. More information is available here.
Increase the percentage of funding, from 50 to 75 percent, that is conditioned on the governments of El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala meeting rule of law and anti-corruption conditions.
Now directs the State Department to consult with Congress on planned use of International Military and Education Training for El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
Increase in State Department staff focused on Sanctions targeting Central America, including $500,000 to the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs' Office of Economic Sanctions Policy, as well as a report on how this increased staff is impacting the ability to implement sanctions.
More information about Rep. Torres' previous work influencing U.S.-Central America policy is available here.

Source