Velázquez Leads Colleagues in Introducing Resolution Calling for an End to the Monroe Doctrine

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-NY) introduced a resolution calling for the annulment of the Monroe Doctrine. The bill’s introduction coincides with the 200-year anniversary of the Monroe Doctrine, which has been used to justify American intervention in Latin American affairs throughout the policy’s history. 
 
“The 200th anniversary of the Monroe Doctrine presents the U.S. and the hemisphere with a chance to move past an outdated and ineffective foreign policy strategy,” said Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez. “From drug trafficking to mass migration to climate change, the many shared challenges between the United States and Latin America cannot be addressed by the antiquated Monroe Doctrine. These are some of the most pressing issues of our time, and they call for a process that stresses respect and cooperation.”
 
“For more than 200 years, the United States has used the Monroe Doctrine to justify a paternalistic, damaging approach to relations with Latin America and the Caribbean. As a result, the legacy of our nation’s foreign policy in those regions is political instability, deep poverty, extreme migration, and colonialism. It is well past time we change our approach,” said Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez. “We must recognize our interconnectedness and admit that the Monroe Doctrine undermines the partnership needed to confront the complex challenges of this century. We must become better neighbors. That is why I am proud to join Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez to develop an approach to foreign policy that advances our collective interests and builds a stronger coalition in Latin America and the Caribbean.”
 
“U.S. foreign policy has too often contributed to instability in Latin America. Instead of toppling duly-elected governments, we can support democracy, grow our economies, and reduce forced migration. Instead of sanctions that starve our neighbors, we can work together to solve the climate crisis,” said Congressman Greg Casar. “We can begin charting this new way forward by eliminating the outdated Monroe Doctrine.”
 
In addition to Velázquez, the resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL), Greg Casar (D-TX), Jesús "Chuy" García (D-IL), and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY).
 
From the invasion of Puerto Rico in 1898 to U.S. support for coups and dictatorships in Latin America throughout the 20th century, the resolution details the harmful effects of the policy over the past 200 years. 
 
The resolution calls for:
 

1. The Department of State to formally confirm that the Monroe Doctrine is no longer a part of United States policy toward Latin American and the Caribbean.
2. The Federal Government to develop a ‘‘New Good Neighbor’’ policy in place of the Monroe Doctrine.
3. Developing a new approach to promoting economic development.
4. The termination of all unilateral economic sanctions imposed through Executive orders, and working with Congress to terminate all unilateral sanctions, such as the Cuba embargo, mandated by law.
5. New legislation to trigger the suspension of assistance to a government whenever there is an extraconstitutional transfer of power.
6. Prompt declassification of all United States Government archives that relate to past coups d’états, dictatorships, and periods in the history of Latin American and Caribbean countries characterized by a high rate of human rights crimes perpetrated by security forces.
7. Collaboration with Latin American and Caribbean governments on a far-reaching reform of to the Organization of American States.
8. Supporting democratic reforms to the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, and other international financial institutions.

 
Text of the resolution can be found here.

 
###