Subcommittee Hearing: Nicaraguan Crisis: Next Steps to Advancing Democracy (Julio/12/2018) (EventID=108536)

The House Foreign Affairs Committee

The House Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Republican Paul Cook of California, considers legislation that impacts the diplomatic community, which includes the Department of State, the Agency for International Development (USAID), the Peace Corps, the United Nations, and the enforcement of the Arms Export Control Act.

Chairman Cook on the hearing: “For far too long, Daniel Ortega and his wife Rosario Murillo have trampled on Nicaragua’s democratic institutions. Their corruption and greed for power have enriched themselves at the expense of their people. Today, the Nicaraguan people have said no more. They yearn for freedom and an opportunity for true democracy. Despite efforts to pursue a peaceful resolution to the crisis, Ortega continues to unleash his security forces on his people, leaving at least 140 dead. The Trump Administration’s recent actions  applying visa restrictions on Nicaraguan officials involved in these human rights abuses is warranted and important. However, the U.S. and the region must do more. This hearing will examine the crisis and the U.S. approach to advance freedom and democracy in Nicaragua.”

Witnesses

The Honorable Carlos Trujillo
U.S. Permanent Representative
Organization of American States
[full text of statement]

The Honorable Michael Kozak
Senior Advisor and Senior Bureau Official
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
U.S. Department of State
[full text of statement]

Ms. Barbara Feinstein
Deputy Assistant Administrator
Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean
U.S. Agency for International Development
[full text of statement]

H. Res. 981, Condemning the violence, persecution, intimidation, and murders committed by the Government of Nicaragua against its citizens.

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