Reps. Torres and Lee Release Statement on Members of El Salvador's National Assembly Voting to Dismiss Supreme Court Justices and the Attorney General

Statement

Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (D-CA), the sole Central American serving in Congress and co-Chair of the Congressional Central America Caucus, and House State, Foreign Operations Subcommittee Chair Barbara Lee (D-CA), released the following statement today in response to newly elected members of El Salvador's National Assembly voting to dismiss five supreme court justices and the attorney general. The vote came on the first day in power for a newly elected majority of President Nayib Bukele's National Ideas Party:

"We are deeply concerned about the impact of the Salvadoran legislature's dismissal of these justices and the Attorney General on the integrity of El Salvador's democracy. As appropriators, it is our responsibility to ensure our foreign assistance helps the people in Central America, and helps to support fundamental democratic values. As the Biden Administration contemplates significant additional funding for the Northern Triangle in its fiscal year 2022 budget request, we urge the administration to structure our programming to support activities that protect democratic voices, prioritize anti-corruption and the rule of law, and reach the most vulnerable individuals in the region."

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