Over the weekend, Florida Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R) and Texas Rep. Chip Roy (R) introduced a resolution that commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Monroe Doctrine.
The Monroe Doctrine was first conceptualized by then-Secretary of State John Quincy Adams. It was meant to be a national security strategy that would stifle colonial influence in the Americas. President James Monroe (R) delivered it at his seventh State of the Union, and the Monroe Doctrine has been praised for continuously keeping America safe from foreign influence for 200 years. At a time when lawmakers warn about threats from the likes of the Communist Chinese Party and their attempts to gain influence in the United States, lawmakers are invoking the effects of the Monroe Doctrine.
In a statement, Rep. Salazar highlighted that “the Monroe Doctrine’s promise of American independence in the Western Hemisphere has kept us safe for 200 years.” Moreover, “threats to our security and liberty no longer come from England, France, or Spain, but from China, Russia, and Iran.” In passing the resolution, Salazar hopes that “Congress will send a clear message to the world that America is still in charge.”
Rep. Roy echoed in her remarks, adding that “now, just as then, we must stand resolute against outside forces that undercut our partnerships with our allies on this side of the globe.”
He went on to cite that “President Monroe’s concern about foreign powers influencing the Americas now takes on new urgency as adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, and other [sic] seek to increase their footholds in the region and undermine our freedom, security, and way of life.”
Other Republican lawmakers that supported the resolution include Florida Reps. Carlos Gimenez (R), Cory Mills (R), Byron Donalds (R), and Texas Reps. Keith Self (R), Lance Gooden (R), Randy Weber (R), and others.
