Florida Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R) is calling on President Joe Biden (D) to include Argentina in the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity (APEP). Rep. Salazar, the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman, sent a letter to the president, urging him to add Argentina.
Since the election of Argentinian President Javier Milei, the country has been a steadfast supporter of the United States, demonstrating its willingness to partner on economic issues as well as dedicating to uphold principles such as individual liberty, economic freedom, and the rule of law according to Rep. Salazar. Seeing that Argentina is a strong ally of the U.S., the Florida Republican argues that not including Argentina in the list would only make it more difficult to achieve the goals of APEP.
Earlier this year, Rep. Salazar introduced the bipartisan Americas Act in an effort to unleash the economic potential of the Western Hemisphere. The bill identifies countries that should be included in APEP, such as Barbados, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and Uruguay. As well, the bill would expand the benefits of the USMCA trade agreement to nations that share the values of the U.S. in the region.
As well, the Americas act promises to grow the American economy, get businesses out of China, respond to concerns regarding the cartels and criminal groups, improve regional economic security, and reduce the influx of migration.
In the letter, Rep. Salazar championed Argentina, highlighting that "today, in Latin America, there is no president with a more pro-freedom agenda than President Javier Milei." "President Milei is working to turn around years of economic failure in a country with tremendous but wasted potential. Your signature Latin America initiative needs pro-American voices in the region like Argentina and Paraguay in order to prosper.”
At the end of last year, Rep. Salazar also called on the Biden Administration to improve the United States' relationship with Paraguay, adding that they should be included in APEP.
