Nydia M. Velázquez

Velázquez Demands Federal Intervention Over Proposed Puerto Rico Ferry Fare Hikes

Position: Congresswoman Velázquez and Democratic colleagues are demanding federal intervention to block proposed Puerto Rico ferry fare increases of 400–462 percent, arguing the hikes violate federal transit grant requirements, civil rights protections, and local public comment procedures.

WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) and Democratic members sent a letter to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) raising concerns regarding a draft regulation prepared by Puerto Rico’s Integrated Transportation Authority (PRITA) to drastically increase passenger and freight fares of the Puerto Rico Ferry route between Ceiba and the Island Municipalities of Vieques and Culebra. If approved, the fee would represent increases of 462 and 400 percent, respectively to the only public transportation method that connects Vieques and Culebra to the mainland of Puerto Rico. “We are concerned that, with this change, PRITA may be violating federal regulations related to the grants and awards it has received from the Federal Transit Administration,” wrote the lawmakers. “In addition, we have heard from our constituents that this regulation has not undergone the processes required by local law to provide the public ample opportunity to comment or make recommendations.” The Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority (PRHTA) manages their services through its private operator, HMS Ferries, Inc. The PRHTA, with PRITA as a subrecipient, was awarded $11.9 million in 2024 under the Formula Grants for Rural Areas program to acquire a new passenger vessel for the Island Service. This funding is tied to certain objectives and legal requirements that the proposed ferry fares may contradict. “First, PRHTA proposed to increase passenger flow between Ceiba, Vieques and Culebra by acquiring this vessel,” wrote the lawmakers. “However, increasing each ferry trip from $2.25 to $10 would reduce the number of annual passengers from 1,170,153 (ridership in 2015) to 558,580, representing a 52.26 percent reduction. And this may be an underestimate, given the calculation was made over ten years ago, and the proposed fare is not $10, but $11.25 per one-way trip.” The proposed fare hike raises serious equity concerns. It would not be applied uniformly as the residents of Vieques and Culebra would receive steep discounts, while travelers from other municipalities would be forced to pay full price. In the letter, Velázquez notes this kind of disparity risks violating federal protections under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination in programs receiving federal funding. Velázquez is calling on the FTA to respond by Monday, March 30 — two days before the fare increases are set to take effect on April 1. The letter poses five questions to the agency, including whether it has imposed any obligation requiring PRITA to quadruple fares and whether the increases comply with federal anti-discrimination requirements. “As both a resident and a merchant, I depend entirely on the ferry service as the sole means of public transportation connecting Vieques to mainland Puerto Rico — what we on the island affectionately call “la Isla Grande,” said Nelson Boulogne, Vieques Resident and Business Owner. “This ferry is not simply a convenience; it is the backbone of our quality of life, our economic growth, and our ability to maintain essential ties with family members who reside on the mainland. A fare increase of approximately 400% would be devastating. It would drive up the cost of goods and services across the island, discourage workers and contractors from traveling to Vieques, and further strain the budgets of residents and families who cross regularly. The impacts would be felt not only by those of us who live here, but by every person connected to this island’s economy and well-being.” The letter was signed by Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY), Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-IL), Res. Commr. Pablo José Hernández (D-PR), and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). The letter was endorsed by Federación de Pescadores Comerciales (FEDPDEMAR), and Colectivo Somos Más Que 100x35. Find the full letter here. ### Issues:Puerto Rico

Velázquez Introduces Cuba War Powers Resolution

Position: Congresswoman Velázquez opposes potential U.S. military action against Cuba and calls for Congress to reassert its constitutional war powers authority to prevent unauthorized military hostilities.

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) introduced a War Powers Resolution to prevent U.S. involvement in military hostilities in Cuba with the support of Congress. The resolution follows recent aggressive action toward Cuba by the Trump administration including an ongoing military blockade that has collapsed the Cuban electrical grid and remarks by the President saying he may “take” Cuba in some form. “Donald Trump's belligerent foreign policy is creating new wars and conflicts across the world. As our country is already embroiled in a new war with Iran, the President has set his sights on regime change in Cuba,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “This administration's foreign policy is totally out of control and is putting countless American and foreign lives at risk. Trump's military blockade, his threats, and his track record this term show that Congress must reassert its constitutional authority and stop another disastrous war before it's too late.” Full text of the resolution is available here. ###

Velázquez, Booker, Frost Introduce Bicameral Bills to Strengthen Music and Arts Education

Position: The release advocates for federal legislation to strengthen music and arts education in schools, particularly for disadvantaged and low-income students, through incentives for using Title I funds and recognition of music educators.

Washington, D.C.— Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-FL) introduced two pieces of legislation to strengthen music and arts education in schools nationwide. The Music In Our Schools Month Resolution, led by Velázquez and Frost in the House with Booker in the Senate, would affirm the importance of music education, highlight the benefits students receive from its instruction, and recognize the dedication of music educators across the country. The Guarantee Access to Arts and Music Education Act of 2026 (GAAME Act), led by Velázquez in the House with Booker in the Senate, would incentivize the use of federal funds to improve access to music and the arts for disadvantaged and low-income students, taught by certified arts and music educators. “Access to music and arts education shouldn’t depend on a student’s zip code or family income. Music builds confidence, sharpens critical thinking, and opens doors that stay open for a lifetime,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “As federal arts funding faces unprecedented cuts, we have a responsibility to fight for the programs and educators that make a difference in classrooms across the country. I’m proud to join Senator Booker and Representative Frost in introducing these bills to invest in music education and the students who benefit from it,” “Access to music and arts education shouldn’t depend on a student’s zip code or family income. Music builds confidence, sharpens critical thinking, and opens doors that stay open for a lifetime,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “As federal arts funding faces unprecedented cuts, we have a responsibility to fight for the programs and educators that make a difference in classrooms across the country. I’m proud to join Senator Booker in introducing these bills to invest in music education and the students who benefit from it." “As a musician, I’ve seen firsthand how music education can shape a young person’s confidence, discipline, and sense of belonging. I’m proud to co-lead the resolution designating March as ‘Music in Our Schools Month’ because access to music programs should not depend on a student’s zip code, income level, or background. When students can learn, perform, and create, they gain skills that carry into every part of their lives. Ensuring every student has access to high-quality music education is an investment in their growth and in the strength of our communities.” - Rep. Maxwell Frost The GAAME Act will amend the Elementary and Secondary School Act (ESEA) to encourage the use of Title I funds to: Bolster the number of certified music and arts educators available. Purchase equipment for music and arts courses (sheet music, instruments, etc.) Provide further professional development for certified music and arts educators. Improve access to sequential, standards-based arts and music education taught by certified educators. The GAAME Act and the Music In Our Schools Month Resolution are cosponsored by: Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), Rep. Eleanor Holmes-Norton (D-DC), Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV), Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA), and Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL). The following organizations support the GAAME Act: American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, American Federation of Teachers, The American Orff-Schulwerk Association, American String Teachers Association, Arts Ed NJ, Association for Popular Music Education, Chorus America, College Band Directors National Association, CMA Foundation, Drum Corps International, Education Through Music, Educational Theatre Association, The Feierabend Association for Music Education, Hawaii Youth Symphony, JazzSLAM, Kindermusik International, Missouri Alliance for Arts Education, Music Publishers Association of the United States, Music Teachers National Association, Music Travel Consultants, Music Workshop, National Art Education Association, National Association for Music Education, National Association of Elementary School Principals, National Association of Music Merchants, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Concerts, National Dance Education Organization, National Education Association, National Federation of State High School Associations, National Music Council, Nuvo Instrumental, Organization of American Kodály Educators, Percussive Arts Society, Quadrant Research, Recording Academy, Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society, Rock and Soul Forever Foundation, Save the Music Foundation, State Education Agency Directors of Arts Education, Wurrly LLC, and Young Audiences Arts for Learning. The following organizations support the Music In Our Schools Month Resolution: American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, American Federation of Teachers, AASA-The School Superintendents Association, The American Orff-Schulwerk Association, American String Teachers Association, Arts Ed NJ, Association for Popular Music Education, Chorus America, College Band Directors National Association, CMA Foundation, Drum Corps International, Education Through Music, The Feierabend Association for Music Education, Hawaii Youth Symphony, JazzSLAM, Kindermusik International, League of American Orchestras, Missouri Alliance for Arts Education, Music Publishers Association of the United States, Music Teachers National Association, Music Travel Consultants, Music Workshop, National Art Education Association, National Association for Music Education, National Association of Elementary School Principals, National Association of Music Merchants, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Education Association, National Federation of State High School Associations, National Music Council, National PTA, Nuvo Instrumental, Organization of American Kodály Educators, Percussive Arts Society, Quadrant Research, Recording Academy, Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society, Rock and Soul Forever Foundation, Save the Music Foundation, State Education Agency Directors of Arts Education, Wurrly LLC, and Young Audiences Arts for Learning. For a copy of the Music in Our Schools Month resolution, click here. For a copy of the GAAME Act, click here. ###

Velázquez Slams HUD's Proposed Rule to End Housing Assistance for Mixed-Status Families

Position: Congresswoman Velázquez opposes HUD's proposed rule that would end federal housing assistance for mixed-status families, characterizing it as cruel policy that forces families to choose between separation and homelessness and arguing it does not address the nation's housing shortage.

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement in response to the Department of Housing and Urban Development's proposed rule to end federal housing assistance for mixed-status families: “This rule would strip housing assistance from families where U.S. citizens and lawful residents live alongside undocumented loved ones. Mixed Status families are already paying their fair share and are receiving prorated benefits under strict eligibility requirements. This is a cruel and inhumane policy that seeks to force families into the impossible choice between family separation and homelessness. It is designed to terrorize immigrant communities, plain and simple. “This policy will do nothing to solve our nation’s urgent housing crisis. Our country is nearly 4 million homes short of what we need, and kicking a select number of families out of HUD housing does nothing to change that. This administration is using immigrants as a scapegoat to distract from their failure to invest in affordable housing. “I led the fight against this same policy during Trump's first term and we beat it back. HUD programs should never be weaponized against the families they were designed to protect.” ### WASHINGTON — Hoy, la congresista Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-7) emitió la siguiente declaración en respuesta a la regla propuesta por el Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano (HUD) para eliminar la asistencia federal de vivienda a familias de estatus migratorio mixto: "Esta regla despojaría de asistencia de vivienda a familias donde ciudadanos estadounidenses y residentes legales viven junto a seres queridos indocumentados. Las familias de estatus mixto ya están pagando lo que les corresponde y reciben beneficios prorrateados bajo estrictos requisitos de elegibilidad. Esta es una política cruel e inhumana que busca obligar a las familias a elegir entre la separación familiar y quedarse sin hogar. Está diseñada para aterrorizar a las comunidades inmigrantes, así de simple. "Esta política no hará nada para resolver la urgente crisis de vivienda de nuestra nación. A nuestro país le faltan casi 4 millones de viviendas, y expulsar a un número selecto de familias de viviendas de HUD no cambia esa realidad. Esta administración está usando a los inmigrantes como chivo expiatorio para distraer de su fracaso en invertir en vivienda asequible. "Yo lideré la lucha contra esta misma política durante el primer mandato de Trump y logramos derrotarla. Los programas de HUD nunca deben ser utilizados como arma contra las familias que fueron diseñados para proteger." ### Issues:Housing

Velázquez Expands Cooperative Housing Access and Strengthens Public Housing Oversight in New York

WASHINGTON — Yesterday, H.R. 6644 the Housing for the 21st Century Act, which includes key provisions secured by Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) to expand access to affordable housing through cooperative ownership models while strengthening Congressional oversight to protect tenants in federally monitored public housing authorities, passed in the House of Representatives. Velázquez successfully included targeted language in Sections 101, 201, 405, 406, and 407 of the legislation to explicitly recognize housing cooperatives as eligible entities for federal housing programs and funding. These clarifying provisions added the term “cooperative(s)” where applicable, ensuring that cooperative housing developments are not excluded from participating in existing programs due to ambiguous statutory language. “Cooperative housing is one of the strongest tools we have to preserve long-term affordability and keep working families in their communities,” said Velázquez. “In a city like New York, where rising housing costs are driving displacement, cooperatives provide a resident-owned model that stabilizes neighborhoods and protects affordability from market pressures. The provisions I secured ensure cooperatives remain accessible, sustainable, and a central part of our affordable housing strategy.” Cooperative housing provides financially stable, resident-owned housing to more than 1.5 million families nationwide and remains a critical source of affordable homeownership and housing stability, in New York City. In addition to expanding cooperative housing, Velázquez secured new oversight and transparency requirements in Section 502 to strengthen accountability for public housing authorities overseen by a federal monitor or receiver. The provision responds directly to chronic maintenance issues at New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and the court-appointed federal monitor’s lack of coordination and collaboration with the city’s Congressional Delegation. This enhanced oversight ensures taxpayer dollars are being used effectively, residents’ needs are addressed, and lawmakers are providing NYCHA and other struggling PHAs with the resources and tools they need to improve their operations and conditions. “For too long, NYCHA residents have endured unsafe conditions while the court-ordered federal monitor has had limited interaction with our city’s Congressional delegation. Today we are changing that. By requiring monitors and receivers to provide annual reports and testimony to Congress we can help provide public housing authorities around the country with the resources they need to facilitate repairs and improve the lives of residents,” said Velázquez. The provisions advance a comprehensive approach to affordable housing and deliver meaningful protections and opportunities for New Yorkers facing a housing affordability crisis. ###

Velázquez and Ramirez Lead Colleagues in Introducing Resolution Calling for an End to the Monroe Doctrine

Position: The resolution calls for the United States to formally abandon the Monroe Doctrine and replace it with a partnership-based foreign policy toward Latin America and the Caribbean that addresses shared challenges through mutual respect rather than interventionism.

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-NY) and Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-IL) introduced the New Good Neighbor Act, calling for the annulment of the Monroe Doctrine and the establishment of a "New Good Neighbor" policy toward Latin America and the Caribbean. The resolution comes in direct response to the Trump administration's aggressive interventionism across the hemisphere under what they've dubbed the "Donroe Doctrine." “This administration's aggressive stance toward Latin America makes this resolution critical," said Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez. "Their 'Donroe Doctrine' is simply a more grotesque version of the interventionist policies that have failed us for two centuries. The United States and Latin America face shared challenges in drug trafficking, migration, and climate change. We can only solve these through real partnership, not coercion. We need to finally leave the Monroe Doctrine behind and pursue a foreign policy grounded in mutual respect and shared prosperity.” “For more than 200 years, the United States has used the Monroe Doctrine to justify a paternalistic, damaging approach to relations with Latin America and the Caribbean. As a result, the legacy of our nation’s foreign policy in those regions is political instability, deep poverty, extreme migration, and colonialism. It is well past time we change our approach,” said Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez. “We must recognize our interconnectedness and admit that the Monroe Doctrine undermines the partnership needed to confront the complex challenges of this century. We must become better neighbors. That is why I am proud to join Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez to develop an approach to foreign policy that advances our collective interests and builds a stronger coalition throughout the Americas and the rest of the world.” The resolution responds to recent Trump administration actions including the illegal military operation in Venezuela, President Trump's claims over Venezuelan oil reserves, and the pardon of convicted drug trafficker and former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández. In addition to Velázquez and Ramirez, the resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Henry "Hank" Johnson (D-GA), Jesús "Chuy" García (D-IL), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Summer Lee (D-PA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Greg Casar (D-TX), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Sylvia García (D-TX), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), and Lateefah Simon (D-CA). From the invasion of Puerto Rico in 1898 to U.S. support for coups and dictatorships in Latin America throughout the 20th century, the resolution details the harmful effects of the policy over the past 200 years. The resolution calls for: The Department of State to formally confirm that the Monroe Doctrine is no longer a part of United States policy toward Latin America and the Caribbean. The Federal Government to develop a ‘‘New Good Neighbor’’ policy in place of the Monroe Doctrine. Developing a new approach to promoting economic development. The termination of all unilateral economic sanctions imposed through Executive orders, and working with Congress to terminate all unilateral sanctions, such as the Cuba embargo, mandated by law. New legislation to trigger the suspension of assistance to a government whenever there is an extraconstitutional transfer of power. Prompt declassification of all United States Government archives that relate to past coups d’états, dictatorships, and periods in the history of Latin American and Caribbean countries characterized by a high rate of human rights crimes perpetrated by security forces. Collaboration with Latin American and Caribbean governments on a far-reaching reform to the Organization of American States. Supporting democratic reforms to the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, and other international financial institutions. Alex Main, Director of International Policy at the Center for Economic and Policy Research: “President Trump is waging a new offensive against Latin America and the Caribbean— conducting illegal and unprovoked military attacks and extrajudicial killings and brazenly intervening in other countries’ domestic affairs in an undisguised effort to exert control over the region’s resources and politics. But while Trump’s actions are especially egregious, they are just the latest chapter of a centuries-old story of US military political and economic interference that has subverted democracy and fueled instability and human rights crimes across the hemisphere. It is in the interest of the US to reject this doctrine of unilateral domination and chart a new course for US-Latin American relations — to treat our Latin American siblings as vecinos, not vassals.” Colleen Moore, Director of Peace With Justice at The United Methodist Church — General Board of Church and Society: “The Board of Church and Society of The United Methodist Church (UMC) rejects the use of war as an instrument of foreign policy and repents for the Church’s involvement in colonialism and neocolonialism. As followers of Jesus Christ and our official UMC Social Principles, we unequivocally reject any militarized ideology that deepens political instability anywhere in the world. Church and Society welcomes the reintroduction of this resolution from Congresswoman Velázquez that outlines a U.S. foreign policy towards Latin America based in diplomacy, rule of law, and cooperation." Cavan Kharrazian, Senior Policy Advisor at Demand Progress: “President Trump’s recent unauthorized military interventions and continued threats in the Western Hemisphere make clear that the legacy of the Monroe Doctrine still shapes U.S. foreign policy in harmful ways. We commend the cosponsors of this resolution for confronting that history and advancing a new framework for U.S. engagement in the region grounded in mutual respect, sovereignty, and cooperation rather than coercion or threats.” George Escobar, Executive Director of We are CASA: "For many of our community, the long history of US intervention is a deeply personal experience. Our members have family, loved ones, and roots in the region that continues to be a target of military intervention and forced regime change. The US's foreign policy in Latin America continues to undermine sovereignty, self-determination, and the rule of law, while placing lives at serious risk. As people are forcibly displaced from their homes due to violence and instability, they come to the US seeking safety for themselves and their families. They now face the risk of being sent back to the very same dangerous conditions created by the US, as the current administration attacks humanitarian programs, such as the cancellation of Temporary Protected Status. It is well beyond the moment for the US to turn away from the doctrine of violence and look towards building a better future together with Latin America.” Text of the resolution can be found here. A recording of the press conference announcing the resolution can be found here. ### Congresistas Velázquez y Ramírez encabezan a un grupo de legisladores en la presentación de una resolución que llama a poner fin a la Doctrina Monroe Washington, D.C. - Hoy, la congresista Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) y la congresista Delia Ramírez (D-IL) presentaron la New Good Neighbor Act, que exige la anulación de la Doctrina Monroe y el establecimiento de una “Nueva política del Buen Vecino” hacia América Latina y el Caribe. La resolución nace como una respuesta directa al agresivo intervencionismo de la Administración Trump en todo el hemisferio, bajo lo que han denominado la “Doctrina Donroe”. “La postura agresiva de esta Administración hacia América Latina hace que esta resolución sea fundamental”, afirmó la congresista Nydia M. Velázquez. “Su ‘Doctrina Donroe’ no es más que una versión aún más grotesca de las políticas intervencionistas que han fallado durante dos siglos. Estados Unidos y América Latina enfrentan desafíos compartidos en materia de narcotráfico, migración y cambio climático. Solo podemos resolverlos mediante una verdadera cooperación, no mediante la coerción. Debemos dejar atrás de una vez por todas la Doctrina Monroe y avanzar hacia una política exterior basada en el respeto mutuo y la prosperidad compartida”. “Durante más de 200 años, Estados Unidos ha invocado la Doctrina Monroe para justificar un enfoque paternalista y profundamente perjudicial en sus relaciones con América Latina y el Caribe. El resultado ha sido un legado de inestabilidad política, pobreza estructural, migración forzada y colonialismo. Ya es hora de cambiar de rumbo”, afirmó la congresista Delia C. Ramírez. “Debemos reconocer nuestra interdependencia y admitir que la Doctrina Monroe socava la alianza que necesitamos para enfrentar los complejos desafíos de este siglo. Es momento de convertirnos en mejores vecinos. Por eso me enorgullece unirme a la congresista Nydia Velázquez para impulsar una política exterior que avance nuestros intereses colectivos y fortalezca una coalición más sólida en las Américas y en el resto del mundo”. La resolución surge como respuesta a una serie de acciones recientes de la Administración Trump, entre ellas una operación militar ilegal en Venezuela, las declaraciones del presidente Trump reclamando las reservas petroleras venezolanas y el indulto otorgado al expresidente hondureño Juan Orlando Hernández, condenado por narcotráfico. Además de Velázquez y Ramírez, la resolución cuenta con el copatrocinio de los representantes Henry “Hank” Johnson (D-GA), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Summer Lee (D-PA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Greg Casar (D-TX), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Sylvia García (D-TX), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Ilhan Omar (D-MN) y Lateefah Simon (D-CA). Desde la invasión de Puerto Rico en 1898 hasta el respaldo de Estados Unidos a golpes de Estado y dictaduras en América Latina a lo largo del siglo XX, la resolución documenta de manera detallada los efectos profundamente nocivos de esta política a lo largo de más de 200 años. La resolución exige: Que el Departamento de Estado confirme formalmente que la Doctrina Monroe ya no forma parte de la política de Estados Unidos hacia América Latina y el Caribe. Que el Gobierno Federal desarrolle una “Nueva política del Buen Vecino” en reemplazo de la Doctrina Monroe. El desarrollo de un nuevo enfoque para promover el desarrollo económico. El fin de todas las sanciones económicas unilaterales impuestas mediante órdenes ejecutivas y el trabajo conjunto con el Congreso para poner fin a todas las sanciones unilaterales establecidas por ley, como el embargo a Cuba. Una nueva legislación que active la suspensión de la asistencia a un gobierno cada vez que se produzca una transferencia de poder extraconstitucional. La pronta desclasificación de todos los archivos del Gobierno de Estados Unidos relacionados con golpes de Estado, dictaduras y períodos de la historia de países de América Latina y el Caribe caracterizados por altos niveles de violaciones a los derechos humanos perpetradas por fuerzas de seguridad. La colaboración con los gobiernos de América Latina y el Caribe en una reforma profunda de la Organización de los Estados Americanos. El apoyo a reformas democráticas en el Fondo Monetario Internacional, el Banco Mundial, el Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo y otras instituciones financieras internacionales. Alex Main, Director de Política Internacional del Center for Economic and Policy Research: “El presidente Trump está librando una nueva ofensiva en contra de América Latina y el Caribe: llevando a cabo ataques militares ilegales y no provocados, ejecuciones extrajudiciales e interviniendo de forma descarada en los asuntos internos de otros países en un intento explícito de ejercer control sobre los recursos y la política de la región. Pero aunque las acciones de Trump son especialmente graves, no son más que el capítulo más reciente de una historia de siglos de injerencia militar, política y económica de Estados Unidos que ha socavado la democracia y alimentado la inestabilidad y los crímenes contra los derechos humanos en todo el hemisferio. Es en interés de Estados Unidos el rechazar esta doctrina de dominación unilateral y trazar un nuevo rumbo para las relaciones entre Washington y América Latina: tratar a nuestros hermanos y hermanas latinoamericanos como vecinos, no como vasallos”. Colleen Moore, Directora de Peace With Justice en la Iglesia Metodista Unida — Junta General de Iglesia y Sociedad: “La Junta de Iglesia y Sociedad de la Iglesia Metodista Unida (UMC) rechaza el uso de la guerra como instrumento de política exterior y se arrepiente de la participación de la Iglesia en el colonialismo y el neocolonialismo. Como seguidores de Jesucristo y de acuerdo con nuestros Principios Sociales oficiales de la UMC, rechazamos de manera inequívoca cualquier ideología militarizada que profundice la inestabilidad política en cualquier parte del mundo. Iglesia y Sociedad celebra la reintroducción de esta resolución por parte de la congresista Velázquez, que plantea una política exterior de Estados Unidos hacia América Latina basada en la diplomacia, el Estado de derecho y la cooperación”. Cavan Kharrazian, asesor principal de políticas en Demand Progress: “Las recientes intervenciones militares no autorizadas del presidente Trump y sus amenazas continuas en el hemisferio occidental dejan claro que el legado de la Doctrina Monroe sigue moldeando de formas dañinas la política exterior de Estados Unidos. Felicitamos a los copatrocinadores de esta resolución por enfrentar esa historia y promover un nuevo marco para la relación de Estados Unidos con la región, basado en el respeto mutuo, la soberanía y la cooperación, en lugar de la coerción o las amenazas”. George Escobar, director ejecutivo de We Are CASA: “Para muchas personas de nuestras comunidades, la larga historia de intervención de Estados Unidos es una experiencia profundamente personal. Nuestros miembros tienen familiares, seres queridos y raíces en una región que sigue siendo objeto de intervención militar y de cambios de régimen forzados. La política exterior de Estados Unidos en América Latina continúa socavando la soberanía, la autodeterminación y el Estado de derecho, al tiempo que pone vidas en grave riesgo. A medida que las personas son desplazadas por la fuerza de sus hogares debido a la violencia y la inestabilidad, llegan a Estados Unidos buscando seguridad para sí mismas y sus familias. Hoy enfrentan el riesgo de ser devueltas a las mismas condiciones peligrosas creadas por Estados Unidos, mientras la actual Administración ataca programas humanitarios, como la cancelación del Estatus de Protección Temporal (TPS, por sus siglas en inglés). Hace ya mucho que Estados Unidos debería apartarse de esta doctrina de violencia y mirar hacia la construcción de un futuro mejor junto a América Latina”. El texto de la resolución puede consultarse aquí. La grabación de la conferencia de prensa en la que se anunció la resolución puede encontrarse aquí. ###