WASHINGTON, D.C.—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement echoing a letter from 17 Latino Members of Congress urging Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) to stop blocking the confirmation of Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Roberta Jacobson as United States Ambassador to Mexico:

“I have worked closely with Roberta Jacobson for years, and there is no one more qualified to serve as our top diplomat in Mexico. I join Representatives Sánchez and Gallego and my other colleagues calling for her confirmation, and for Senator Rubio and Majority Leader McConnell to allow Secretary Jacobson’s nomination to move forward.

“At a time when the United States faces threats all over the world, Congress should deepen our strong security partnership with Mexico, not take it for granted. The absence of an American Ambassador in Mexico City undermines our bilateral relationship and threatens our security. This is absolutely unacceptable.

“In addition, Mexico is our third largest trading partner, and the impact of our economic partnership can be felt in every part of our nation. In 2013, Mexico was the eighth largest market for exports from my home state of New York, with $2.2 billion of goods exported from New York to Mexico.

“Roberta Jacobson’s immediate confirmation is common sense.  She deserves a vote on her nomination.”

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