U.S. Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR) traveled to Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia last week with a bipartisan congressional delegation to bolster South America’s partnership with the United States and help bring stability to the region.
Discussions focused on diplomatic, security, economic and immigration issues that have an impact on the United States.
Rep. Womack was joined by Republican House Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Mac Thornberry (R-TX), and U.S. Reps. Dave Joyce (R-OH), John Ratcliffe (R-TX) and Peter Welch (D-VT).
“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,” Rep. Womack said.
While visiting Argentina, the delegation met with U.S. Ambassador Edward Prado and Vice Minister Paola Di Chiaro of the Argentinian Ministry of Defense. The group discussed security threats facing the region, including Chinese espionage and the transnational flow of drugs.
The lawmakers also visited with Venezuelan Ambassador to Argentina Elisa Trotta Gamus, who is supported by Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó, where she briefed the delegation on the current political standoff in her country.
“Notably, seeing the plight of the Venezuelan people underscored the dangerous impact of socialist policies,” Rep. Womack said.
Talks in Brazil focused on trade, security, and human rights issues, and included a meeting with Wilson Witzel, the recently-elected governor of the state of Rio de Janeiro, to discuss economic cooperation between the United States and Brazil.
The trip concluded in Colombia, where lawmakers took part in a roundtable discussion about Colombia’s counter-narcotics program with Colombia President Ivan Duque. The delegation also visited with U.S. troops stationed in Colombia as part of a training partnership with the Colombian Navy.