Dodd and Corker Return from Central America After Discussing U.S. Relations and Economic Issues

Press Release

Dodd and Corker Return from Central America After Discussing U.S. Relations and Economic Issues

Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Bob Corker (R-TN) returned Monday from a trip to Central America, where they met with government officials to discuss U.S. relations and economic issues impacting the region.

"This was a productive and important trip, and I was very glad to be joined by my friend and colleague Senator Corker. Our neighbors in Central America are important partners both politically and economically," said Dodd. "We share common challenges but also common opportunities, and I was glad to meet with our partners in the region to discuss how we can move forward together."

"Latin America presents challenges and opportunities for the U.S. and our regional interests," said Corker. "We need to stay engaged in Central America in particular and focus our policies on promoting economic stability and long term development and on reinforcing democratic principles. I thank Senator Dodd for leading the trip, and I look forward to using what we learned in our work on the Foreign Relations Committee."

The trip to Central America allowed Dodd and Corker to meet with officials in Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The Senators' schedule included meetings with the following individuals:

* Panamanian Vice President Juan Carlos Varela
* Costa Rican President-Elect Laura Chinchilla
* Costa Rican President Oscar Arias
* El Salvadoran President Mauricio Funes and Foreign Minister Hugo Martinez
* Members of El Salvador's Opposition Party
* Nicaraguan Vice President Jaime Morales Carazo
* Members of Nicaragua's Opposition Party
* Honduran President Porfirio Lobo
* Members of the Honduran Opposition

Dodd is a senior member of Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Peace Corps, and Narcotics Affairs.

Throughout his career, Dodd has been actively involved in supporting peace efforts in Central America, leading the Senate Central America Negotiations Group, and supporting U.S. policy aimed at peace and reconciliation in the region. Dodd has remained active in pushing for reconciliation and support for the rule of law in Central America.

Corker is also a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and serves as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee for International Development, Foreign Assistance, Economic Affairs and International Environmental Protection which has jurisdiction over bilateral humanitarian, development, economic, trade and security assistance programs implemented widely across Central America.

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