Washington D.C. – Today, the House passed nine bipartisan measures, five bills and four resolutions, to bolster national security, promote good governance, and protect against widening threats to human rights and democratic institutions worldwide. Of note, the United States-Northern Triangle Enhanced Engagement Act, which addresses the root causes of migration by promoting greater security and economic opportunity in Central America, was included in the legislation. As the lead Republican of the bill, House Foreign Affairs Committee Lead Republican Michael McCaul (R-TX) took to the House floor to speak in support of this measure which saw unanimous House passage. Additionally, Lead Republican McCaul expressed support for his bill, the USAID Branding Modernization Act, which would clearly define U.S. foreign assistance overseas and ensure that our aid recipients understand that it is the American people providing them support. This legislation passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan approval. Key highlights below:

 

H.R. 2615, United States-Northern Triangle Enhancement Engagement Act:

“I want to thank Chairman Engel for his bipartisan work on this very important piece of legislation that was the product of a trip we took down to Latin America.

“This bill requires the State Department and USAID to develop and fund a five-year strategy to address the drivers of illegal immigration to our Southern border… and develop annual benchmarks to track the progress of programs in stemming migration flows.

“The bill prioritizes security systems to combat transnational crime and to improve security and counter narcotics at their borders and ports. This legislation also supports the amazing work of faith-based organizations that are engaged with the private sector to provide employment for youth and prevent them from joining gangs.

“[H.R. 2615] builds on existing efforts to increase coordination with Mexico and our shared efforts to curb illegal migration, spur economic development, and combat corruption in the Northern Triangle.

“I understand and share the president’s frustration with the continued stream of migrants to our southern border. And as a native Texan, I understand the unique challenges caused by illegal migration to our border. Addressing this problem requires a comprehensive solution, and utilizing all tools at our disposal – including foreign assistance – should be used.”

For full remarks, click here. For a video of remarks as delivered, click here or the photo above. 

 

H.R. 2744, USAID Branding Modernization Act:

“… [USAID] does an incredible job of providing life-saving humanitarian assistance to vulnerable people all around the globe.

“… With the primary goal of such assistance to save the lives of people in desperate need, we also want to ensure the recipients know that it is a gift from the people of the United States of America.

“We hear a lot about the need to maximize America’s soft power; there’s no better way to win the hearts and minds than by saving lives, feeding hungry children, and helping impoverished populations. That is why I introduced the Branding Modernization Act, together with Chairman Engel.

“And while this bill places no mandates on USAID, and maintains the Administrator’s flexibility, it does empower him to brand all of our humanitarian assistance. It also expands the tools and logos available to the Administrator for implementing a comprehensive branding strategy.

“This bill represents smart diplomacy, good governance, and the true compassion of the American people, and I believe it deserves our unanimous support.”

For full remarks, click here. For a video of remarks as delivered, click here or the photo above. 

 

House-Passed Legislation Includes:

  • H.R. 2615 – United States-Northern Triangle Enhancement Engagement Act, introduced by Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY), to support the people of Central America and strengthen United States national security by addressing the root causes of migration from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
  • H.R. 2744 – USAID Branding Modernization Act, introduced by Rep. Michael McCaul, to authorize the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to prescribe the manner in which programs of the agency are identified overseas.
  • H.Res. 441 – Condemning the attack on the AMA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in July 1994 and expressing the concern of the United States regarding the continuing, 25-year-long delay in the resolution of this case and encouraging accountability for the attack, introduced by Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL).
  • H.Res. 432 – Condemning the attacks on peaceful protesters and supporting an immediate peaceful transition to a civilian-led democratic government in Sudan, introduced by Rep. Dan Kildee (D-MI).
  • H.Res. 345 – Recognizing widening threats to freedoms of the press and expression around the world, reaffirming the centrality of a free and independent press to the health of democracy, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance on World Press Freedom Day, introduced by Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA).
  • H.R. 2037 – Saudi Arabia Human Rights and Accountability Act of 2019, introduced by Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-NJ), to encourage accountability for the murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi.
  • H.Res. 129 – Condemning the Government of Saudi Arabia’s continued detention and alleged abuse of woman’s rights activists, introduced by Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL).
  • H.R. 97 – RAWR Act, introduced by Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL), to amend the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to authorize rewards for thwarting wildlife trafficking linked to transnational organized crime.
  • H.R. 526 – Cambodia Democracy Act, introduced by Rep. Ted Yoho (R-FL), to promote free and fair elections, political freedoms, and human rights in Cambodia.