Commemorating 175 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Republic of Guatemala.

Bill: 118-hres-1406
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3]
Introduced: 2024-08-02
Policy area: International Affairs
Latest action: action_date: 2024-08-02
text: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Summaries:

tv_txt: IV 118th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 1406 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES August 2, 2024 Mrs. Ramirez (for herself, Ms. Titus , Ms. Schakowsky , Ms. Wasserman Schultz , Mr. Castro of Texas , Ms. Velázquez , Mr. McGovern , and Mr. Correa ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Commemorating 175 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Republic of Guatemala.

Whereas, January 31, 2024, marked the 175th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Republic of Guatemala; Whereas Guatemala and the United States have shared strong bilateral relations on issues of mutual interest, with a partnership grounded in respect, shared democratic and anti-corruption values, the defense of human rights, and the pursuit of economic prosperity and shared security interests; Whereas Ambassador Francisco Villagrán de León, who passed away on May 18, 2024, after 5 decades of professional service as a career diplomat, scholar, and political activist, dedicated a significant portion of his professional career to strengthening Guatemalan democracy and bilateral relations between the United States and Guatemala; Whereas Guatemalans and Guatemalan Americans residing in the United States have enriched the United States social, economic, and political development, which has allowed Guatemala’s rich identity and heritage to become an integral part of the cultural tapestry of the United States; Whereas the United States and Guatemala, which have historically enjoyed strong commercial and investment ties, have engaged in free trade since July 1, 2006, through the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (commonly known as CAFTA–DR) ; Whereas the United States, which is Guatemala’s largest trading partner, accounts for nearly 35 percent of Guatemala’s foreign trade; Whereas the United States and Guatemala have been strong partners throughout multiple presidential administrations in both countries to address irregular migration in the Western Hemisphere, including through— (1) safe third country agreements; (2) the establishment of the Safe Mobility Initiative and the opening of the first Safe Mobility Office in Guatemala; (3) being signatories to the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection in June 2022; and (4) helping to implement the United States Strategy to Address the Root Causes of Migration in Central America; Whereas Guatemala and the United States have partnered to combat corruption, uphold the rule of law, and build strong democratic institutions, including by supporting President Bernardo Arévalo’s National Commission Against Corruption; Whereas President Arévalo was democratically elected in 2023, and through concerted and sustained support by a wide swath of Guatemalan citizens, including indigenous persons, pro-democracy activists and the Guatemalan private sector, was inaugurated as president in 2024; Whereas, during his first 100 days in office, President Arévalo has demonstrated a commitment to further deepen Guatemala’s bilateral partnership with the United States by— (1) reaffirming Guatemala’s commitment to maintain shared global policy priorities, including through support to mutual democratic partners of Taiwan, Ukraine, and Israel; (2) demonstrating the political will to address the regional migration challenge by hosting the 2024 Third Ministerial on the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection; (3) sustaining a serious dialogue with a wide range of indigenous communities on resolving historical inequities and grievances of the large and diverse indigenous communities of Guatemala; and (4) following through on his commitment to address corruption across Guatemala’s institutions by empowering Guatemala’s National Commission Against Corruption; Whereas journalist Jose Ramon Zamora, former prosecutor Virginia Laparra, and indigenous activist Sofia Tot Ac have faced unjust harassment for their advocacy against corruption and for indigenous rights in Guatemala; Whereas Guatemala’s principled support for Taiwan is resulting in economic intimidation by the People’s Republic of China, which was most recently demonstrated by— (1) the People's Republic of China's denial of entry of at least 7 shipping containers of macadamia nuts; and (2) Guatemalan traders being told that Guatemalan macadamia nuts and coffee would be denied entry only days after the attendance of Guatemala’s Minister of Foreign Affairs at the inauguration of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1) commemorates the 175th anniversary of the establishment of official diplomatic relations between the United States and the Republic of Guatemala; (2) celebrates the contributions that Guatemalans and Guatemalan-Americans have made in the United States; (3) recognizes the significant contributions made by Ambassador Francisco Villagrán de León to strengthening bilateral relations between the United States and Guatemala and preserving Guatemalan democracy; (4) reaffirms the long history of collaboration across multiple presidential administrations in Guatemala and the United States to collaborate to address mutual challenges in our national interests; (5) urges the Government of Guatemala— (A) to continue to work to find achievable solutions to bring inclusive economic growth, address ongoing security challenges, and build more accountable and transparent institutions; (B) to follow through on its commitments to address the legitimate grievances of indigenous communities so these communities feel included and empowered, and to see tangible progress for the indigenous population in Guatemala; and (C) to ensure fair judicial proceedings for all wrongfully targeted journalists and activists, including Jose Ramon Zamora, Virginia Laparra, and Sofia Tot Ac; and (6) calls on the United States Government— (A) to enhance its efforts to counter economic coercion of Guatemala from the People's Republic of China due to Guatemala’s continued recognition of Taiwan, including through enhanced economic partnerships, private sector engagement, and foreign assistance; (B) to strengthen foreign assistance aimed at helping the Government of Guatemala ensure democracy can deliver tangible improvements for all Guatemalans; (C) to use all available tools at its disposal to support Guatemala’s efforts to combat widespread corruption; and (D) to ensure that migration management efforts are focused on safe, legal, and humane strategies.