Press Releases
Womack Participates in Diplomatic and Security Trip to South AmericaTrip brought together a bipartisan, bicameral group of congressional representatives to discuss diplomatic, security, economic, and immigration issues
Washington,
April 19, 2019
Washington, DC—April 19, 2019….Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today announced that he joined a bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL), led by Republican House Leader Kevin McCarthy, to South America. Rep. Womack and trip participants traveled to Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia to discuss diplomatic, security, economic, and immigration issues. The trip focused on strengthening partnerships with Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia, as well as analyzing how challenges facing South America both indirectly and directly affect the United States. Congressman Womack said, “Diplomacy is vital to protecting American interests around the world. This trip gave us firsthand insight into the challenges facing the region and also allowed us to strengthen relationships with our allies. From discussions on combating terrorism and drug trafficking – to trade partnerships and the crisis in Venezuela – we gained a deeper understanding of critical issues. Notably, seeing the plight of the Venezuelan people underscored the dangerous impact of socialist policies. Stability in the region is paramount to addressing the migrant, security, and humanitarian issues that affect our Western Hemisphere.” Argentina The delegation’s first visit was to Buenos Aires, Argentina, where they focused on defense cooperation, the crisis in Venezuela, and shared efforts to combat anti-Semitism. The delegation met with U.S. Ambassador Edward Prado and Vice Minister Paola Di Chiaro of the Argentinian Ministry of Defense. The group discussed collective security threats facing the region, including challenges related to Chinese espionage and the transnational flow of drugs. Representatives then visited a Jewish community center called AMIA – the site of Argentina’s deadliest terrorist attack to date – to pay their respects and lay a wreath. The delegation also received valuable insight regarding the situation in Venezuela throughout the trip. They had the opportunity to sit down with Guaidó-supported Venezuelan Ambassador to Argentina Elisa Trotta Gamus. She briefed the delegation on the current standoff in her country and thanked the CODEL for their bipartisan support for the people of Venezuela. Brazil The next stop was to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to discuss a variety of topics, including trade, security, and human rights issues. Governor Wilson Witzel, the recently-elected governor of the state of Rio de Janeiro, who is known for his anti-corruption efforts, welcomed the CODEL to Guanabara Palace to discuss economic cooperation between the U.S. and Brazil. They then observed specialized law enforcement procedures from BOPE, the tactical unit of Rio de Janeiro’s Military Police. These special police operation battalions have extensive experience in urban warfare and have been integral in combating Brazil’s heavily armed drug lords. They then headed to the U.S. Consulate to receive a briefing on the public security challenges that Brazil faces, including state gangs, terrorists, and narco-traffickers. Additionally, the representatives had an opportunity to visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World—Christ the Redeemer. It was a particularly meaningful stop since the visit coincided with Holy Week. Colombia The delegation then headed to Cartagena, Colombia. They met with Colombia's President Ivan Duque for a roundtable discussion about Colombia’s counter-narcotics progress, the U.S.-Colombia trade partnership, and the crisis in neighboring Venezuela. Following the meeting, the delegation held a press conference on those issues. Representatives then traveled to the Colombia-Venezuela border in Cúcuta to witness the humanitarian crisis caused by the Maduro regime’s socialist policies. For their final stop, the delegation toured a Colombian Naval base to learn more about efforts to eradicate the flow of illegal drugs. They also visited with U.S. troops stationed in Colombia as part of a training partnership with the Colombian Navy. Trip participants included:
A selection of pictures from the trip can be found here. Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He serves as the Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Budget and is a member of the House Appropriations defense and transportation, housing and urban development subcommittees. ### |