Ramirez, Velázquez Introduce Resolution Calling for an End to the Monroe Doctrine

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) joined Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) to announce the introduction of H.Res.1056, the New Good Neighbor Act. The resolution called for the annulment of the Monroe Doctrine and the establishment of a "New Good Neighbor" policy toward Latin America and the Caribbean. The resolution comes in direct response to the Trump administration's aggressive interventionism across the hemisphere under what they've dubbed the "Donroe Doctrine."

“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 Velázquez to develop an approach to foreign policy that advances our collective interests and builds a stronger coalition throughout the Americas and the rest of the world.”

“This administration's aggressive stance toward Latin America makes this resolution critical," said Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez. "Their 'Donroe Doctrine' is simply a more grotesque version of the interventionist policies that have failed us for two centuries. The United States and Latin America face shared challenges in drug trafficking, migration, and climate change. We can only solve these through real partnership, not coercion. We need to finally leave the Monroe Doctrine behind and pursue a foreign policy grounded in mutual respect and shared prosperity.”

The resolution responds to recent Trump administration actions, including the illegal military operation in Venezuela, President Trump's claims over Venezuelan oil reserves, and the pardon of convicted drug trafficker and former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández.

 In addition to Velázquez and Ramirez, the resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Henry "Hank" Johnson (GA-04), Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Summer Lee (PA-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Greg Casar (TX-35), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Sylvia García (TX-29), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), and Lateefah Simon (CA-12).
 
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 America 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 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.

A recording of the press conference announcing the resolution can be found here.