Chairman Royce on the hearing: “Latin America and the Caribbean are home to some of our fastest-growing trade partners, but many parts of the region continue to struggle with violence, corruption and criminal organizations. Ongoing turmoil in Venezuela and Nicaragua, and the migration crisis in Central America, must be addressed. This hearing will give members of the committee an opportunity to question the administration about efforts to increase engagement and promote vital U.S. interests in the region.”

Opening Statements

Full text of Chairman Ed Royce’s opening statement

Witnesses

The Honorable Kenneth H. Merten
Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary
Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs
U.S. Department of State
[full text of statement]

Ms. Sarah-Ann Lynch
Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator
Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean
U.S. Agency for International Development
[full text of statement]

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Hearing transcript (PDF)