Chairman Diaz-Balart joins the United States Presidential Delegation to the Republic of Colombia to attend the Inauguration of His Excellency Abelardo de la Espriella

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations and Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, announced he will join the United States Presidential Delegation to the Republic of Colombia to attend the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella:

"It is an honor to join the United States Presidential Delegation to the swearing-in ceremony of the incoming Colombian President, Abelardo de la Espriella. This ceremony represents the beginning of a new chapter for Colombia and an opportunity to strengthen our important partnership. I am optimistic that the incoming De La Espriella Administration will pursue a constructive relationship with the United States based on our shared democratic values and longstanding commitment to regional security and stability.

I look forward to working closely with Colombia's new leadership to revitalize U.S.-Colombia relations. A strong partnership between our nations serves the interests of both of our peoples. After four years during which the outgoing administration undermined cooperation on critical security priorities, and distanced Colombia from one of its closest allies, this transition offers a long-awaited opportunity to restore trust and renew our partnership.

The United States and Colombia must return to working side-by-side to combat transnational organized crime, narcoterrorism, illegal trafficking networks, corruption, and other criminal endeavors that threaten the security of both our nations. We have accomplished great things together over the years, and I believe the next chapter of our relationship can be even stronger.

I congratulate President De La Espriella and the people of Colombia on this historic occasion, and I thank President Trump and Secretary Rubio for allowing me to join the United States Presidential Delegation."

Members of the delegation:

• Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche

• Mr. Hugo Guevara, Charge d'Affaires, U.S. Embassy Bogota

• The Honorable Mario Diaz-Balart, Chairman of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee, United States House of Representatives

• The Honorable Sara Carter, Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy

• The Honorable Terrance C. Cole, Administrator, United States Drug Enforcement Administration

• Mr. Cliff Sims, National Security Advisor to the Vice President

• Mrs. Viviana Bovo, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, United States Department of State

• Mr. Joseph M. Humire, Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Americas Security Affairs, United States Department of War

• Mr. Kris Jarvis, Chief of International Operations, Joint Task Force Vulcan, United States Department of Justice

Background:

Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart leads the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP). This subcommittee is responsible for funding U.S. foreign policy initiatives, international security efforts, and diplomatic operations. NSRP maintains jurisdiction over foreign assistance to Colombia, supporting areas such as counternarcotics, security cooperation, economic development, and migration.

During the Petro Administration, U.S. funding to Colombia experienced notable reductions and was subject to stricter conditions. These changes reflected bipartisan concerns regarding President Petro's policy decisions.

In addition to his subcommittee leadership, Chairman Díaz-Balart is the founding co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Colombia. Established in 2009, this caucus brings together Members of Congress who are committed to strengthening the partnership between the United States and Colombia. The caucus played a pivotal role in advancing a vote on the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement in the House of Representatives.

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