The United States has deep-rooted connections with Latin America and the Caribbean, making it one of the most significant regions for U.S. interests. With shared languages, values, cultures, and economic interests, the Western Hemisphere presents vast opportunities for growth and collaboration in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Spanning over a billion people and boasting an economy exceeding $37 trillion, the Americas hold immense potential for development. However, historical neglect by U.S. policymakers has resulted in inconsistent policies, leaving room for other global players like China to expand their influence in the region.
Recognizing the urgency to strengthen ties with the Western Hemisphere, the Americas Act proposes the establishment of an Americas Partnership. This initiative aims to enhance U.S. trade relations with Latin America and the Caribbean while addressing challenges such as political instability, economic insecurity, and migration pressures.
The Americas Partnership seeks to foster cooperation among Western Hemisphere democracies to combat corruption, promote democracy and the rule of law, and facilitate foreign direct investment. Additionally, the act incentivizes companies to relocate critical supply chains back from China, bolstering regional resilience and countering unfair trade practices.
Furthermore, the Americas Act introduces measures to exclude forced labor from shared supply chains, support Latin America's energy transition, and strengthen people-to-people connections through educational programs and visa facilitation.
One of the key funding mechanisms for the Americas Act involves closing a trade loophole exploited by the Chinese Communist Party, ensuring that the program is self-sustaining and cost-effective.
By anchoring the Americas Act on shared values of freedom, democracy, and opportunity, the initiative aims to build a more prosperous and stable hemisphere. Through strategic partnerships and targeted investments, the United States seeks to foster long-term cooperation with its neighbors in Latin America and the Caribbean, ultimately enhancing regional security and economic growth.
