McGovern, Gallego Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Supporting the Peace Process in Colombia

Washington, DC, December 15, 2015

Today, Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA), a senior House Democrat and leading voice in Congress for human rights, joined Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and three other House lawmakers in introducing a bipartisan resolution in support of the peace negotiations between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

The resolution recognizes the importance of the ongoing negotiations and commends Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos for his leadership in the process. It also calls on the negotiating parties to make meaningful reparations to the victims of the conflict and urges President Barack Obama to continue to support the negotiations and develop plans to support the Colombian people in building a just and lasting peace.

In addition to McGovern and Gallego, original cosponsors include Reps. Bradley Byrne (R-AL) and Henry C. “Hank” Johnson Jr., who both serve with Rep. Gallego on the House Armed Services Committee, and Reps. John Lewis (D-GA) and Sam Farr (D-CA).

The full text of the resolution can be found here.

Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) said, “Colombia is engaged in a historic, difficult and complex negotiation to end the longest armed conflict in the hemisphere. It deserves the support of the U.S. government, the U.S. Congress and the American people. Billions of U.S. tax dollars having been invested in Colombia’s security, institutions and the protection of human rights. It is now time for us to demonstrate that same support for the peace negotiations and, if successful and an agreement reached, their implementation.”

Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) said, “As the first Colombian American elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, I am committed to strengthening the ties that bind our two nations. We have a moral obligation and a vested interest in helping the Colombian people to secure a just and lasting peace. It’s heartening to see the great strides that both parties have made at the negotiating table. I remain committed to ensuring that the Colombian government can continue to count on strong support from Congress at this critical juncture in their nation’s history.”

Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-AL) said, “Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to travel to Colombia to learn more about the peace process, and I was very impressed by the progress President Santos has made, Colombia has long been a strong ally of our country, and I believe the United States should do everything we can to support the peace process.” 

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