Congresswomen Ramirez, Titus Commemorate 175 Years of Diplomatic Relations between the U.S. and Guatemala
Chicago, IL – Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), the founder and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Global Migration, and Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01), Ranking Member of the House Democracy Partnership, introduced a resolution recognizing the 175 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Republic of Guatemala. The resolution reaffirms the shared democratic and anti-corruption values of the United States and Guatemala. It also echoes both nations’ resolve to achieve common goals: human rights, inclusive economic prosperity, shared safety and security, and more accountable and transparent institutions.
The bicameral resolution also recognizes the late Guatemalan Ambassador Francsico Villagram and his rich history of forging strong relations between both countries.
“As a chapina, daughter of Guatemala, I am incredibly honored to co-lead a resolution that celebrates 175 years of strong partnership between Guatemala and the United States,” said Congresswoman Ramirez. “We must continue to strengthen our relations so that we can effectively address 21st-century challenges, including democratic backsliding, the climate crisis, and the crisis of displacement, together. I’m proud to join Representative Titus in recognizing the power of diplomacy.”
“This resolution reaffirms the strong bond between Guatemala and the United States that has existed for decades,” said Congresswoman Titus. “Guatemala has been a steadfast ally of the United States in Central America. Our countries both have benefited from free trade, with the U.S. being Guatemala’s largest trading partner. Guatemala also has cooperated with us in developing a structure for legal immigration, and Guatemalans who have immigrated to the U.S. have enriched our cultural diversity and made a strong contribution to our economy. Both nations are better off because of our 175 years of partnership.”
This resolution is the House companion to S.Res. 767, led by Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Dick Durbin (D-IL).
The resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Joaquin Castro (TX-35), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), James McGovern (MA-02), and Lou Correa (CA-42).
Bill text is available HERE.
BACKGROUND:
Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez is the daughter of Guatemalan immigrants. To better understand the interconnectedness of 21st-century challenges, she has visited Guatemala twice as a U.S. Congresswoman. Most recently, she was the guest of civil society and Indigenous leaders for President Bernardo Arévalo's inauguration and was in the country during the attempt to nullify the free and fair election.