McAllen, TX—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, this evening made the following statement at the conclusion of an official visit to El Salvador and Honduras:

“Following our visit to Guatemala, I was pleased to join Speaker Pelosi and our bipartisan delegation in El Salvador and Honduras.

“In both countries, we saw the positive impact of U.S. assistance in addressing the long-term challenges that drive child and family migration. It is urgent that this assistance be restored. Likewise, Temporary Protected Status for individuals from both countries must be immediately extended.

“In El Salvador, I thanked President Bukele for his strong commitment to creating an independent mechanism to combat corruption within his first 100 days in office. It is in our national interest to support this effort. Improving the rule of law in El Salvador will help create the conditions on the ground that encourage citizens to remain in country and not make the dangerous journey north to the U.S.-Mexico border.

“Likewise in Honduras, it is essential that the work of the Mission to Support the Fight against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH) continue when its mandate expires. While I do not object to an independent evaluation of MACCIH, such an assessment cannot be used as an excuse to end or weaken the organization. I am pleased that MACCIH has strong bipartisan backing in our congress, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure support.”

Background

Earlier this year, Chairman Engel introduced the United States-Northern Triangle Enhanced Engagement Act (H.R. 2615) to restore foreign assistance to Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. The legislation passed the House on July 15.

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