Congressman Albio Sires Elected Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Civilian Security, and Trade

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Congressman Sires was elected to serve as Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Civilian Security, and Trade for the 116th Congress by his peers on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Congressman Sires has served as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee since the 113th Congress and has been a member of the Subcommittee throughout the duration of his tenure in the House of Representatives since 2006.

“I am honored that my colleagues on the Committee have entrusted me with the responsibility to lead this Subcommittee and I would like to thank them for their continued support. This region is deeply personal to me and many of my constituents. It is also a critical component of our foreign policy and national security considerations.

As Chairman I look forward to working with the Ranking Member and the rest of the Subcommittee in bolstering U.S. relations throughout the Western Hemisphere and working with our neighbors to promote peace, security and prosperity in the region. It is essential that we continue addressing the ongoing challenges the Hemisphere faces, including the protection of human rights, combatting violence and corruption, strengthening democracy, and examining the root causes of migration. Additionally, my colleagues and I will work to hold the Administration accountable for its foreign policy decisions, and the impact they have on the Hemisphere.”

The Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere has jurisdiction over issues pertaining to the countries in South America, North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Additionally, this Subcommittee will conduct oversight of matters relating to international economic and trade policy, and civilian security, including transnational organized crime and preventing violence by state or non-state actors. Other Democrats serving with Congressman Sires on the Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere include Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Congressman Joaquin Castro (D-TX), Congressman Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Congressman Dean Phillips (D-MN), Congressman Andy Levin (D-MI), Congressman Juan Vargas (D-CA), and Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX).

Congressman Sires was also selected to continue to serve as a member of the Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, Energy and the Environment.

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