House Committee on Foreign Affairs

Chairman Royce: “The Committee needs to hear a comprehensive strategy from Secretary Kerry on how the Administration is going to confront this brutal and sophisticated terrorist group.”

Chairman Salmon on the hearing: “Rule of law, predictability, and strong democratic institutions are vital in providing the confidence investors need to bring economic opportunity, growth and jobs to any given country.  Latin America is rich in resources and human capital, but many countries in the region are plagued by corruption, weak institutions, and leaders who systematically erode democratic values. This hearing will give my Subcommittee the opportunity to examine where confidence has been shaken, how U.S. economic interests are affected, and what if anything the United States can do to encourage greater transparency and market friendly approaches throughout the Americas."

Chairman Edward Royce: "Nearly 6 months ago, the committee held a hearing. The title of that hearing was ‘‘Al-Qaeda’s Resurgence in Iraq: A Threat to U.S. Interests.’’ Then, the administration testified at that hearing that ISIS had begun to shift resources from Syria to Iraq in early 2013. That it had tripled its suicide attacks in that year and that it planned to challenge the Iraqi Government for control of western Iraq and Baghdad."