▶ 0:00:20the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere will come to order. The purpose of the hearing is to assess the recent elections in Colombia and their implications in the United States policy, examine the legacy of the outgoing president Petro's government, his failed policies, and provide the Trump administration an opportunity to highlight the strategy for resetting the bilateral relationship between two Now, I recognize myself for
▶ 0:00:50an opening statement. But first of all, I want to thank both witnesses for coming and taking time and everyone who has joined us in this hearing, such an important moment for the Western Hemisphere vis-à-vis the Trump administration.
▶ 0:01:04On June 21st, the Colombian people chose a new president, ushering in what many hope will be a new dawn for that They placed their trust in someone who came from outside the traditional political elite, who built a new movement with had little connection to the old political structures and was largely unknown to most Colombians until Yet, they embraced his vision because he spoke to something universal:
▶ 0:01:35prosperity, security, democracy, and the opportunity to build a better life at President Abelardo de la Espriella has made it clear that he intends to be a steadfast, unconditional, and reliable ally of the United States. Thank God for that.
▶ 0:01:55We warmly welcome that commitment because our two nations share the same fundamental values, strengthening democracy, expanding economic opportunity, promoting security, and preserving liberty throughout the whole Western For that reason, I am pleased to welcome to the capital after this hearing the Vice President-elect, the Foreign Minister, the Minister of Commerce, and the Minister of Defense
▶ 0:02:26in the Delaspreyas incoming administration. We want you to know, we want the Colombians to know that the United States and the Trump administration is looking forward to work with Colombia as it reaffirms its position among the democratic nations that value a close partnership with the United States. This country stands for freedom, for democratic institutions, for economic opportunity, and for the rule of law.
▶ 0:02:54We are proud to stand with allies like Abelardo de las Preyas' new government who share those principles. And in particular, for myself, Maria Salazar, the representative of district number 27 in Florida, I welcome this hearing or I'm very happy to be part of this meaningful hearing for me because I am welcoming Abelardo, who was a good friend, who was once my constituent living in Coral Gables,
▶ 0:03:24district number part of district number 27, long before he ever imagined entering public service in his Watching that journey come full circle makes this occasion particularly very special for me as a person, and I look forward to strengthening the enduring friendship between our two nations.
▶ 0:04:42Now I finished my statement and I recognize the ranking member from Texas representative Castro for any statements he may have. Thank you.
▶ 0:04:50Thank you Chairwoman Salazar and thank you to Assistant Secretary Whalen and Deputy Assistant Secretary Mendez for joining us today for your testimony. Colombia is one of our closest and most important partners in this hemisphere. For decades Republicans and Democrats have worked together to build a security and economic relationship that has saved lives in both the United States and I want that relationship to continue and I want Colombia to succeed as a prosperous stable democracy and as a partner of the United States.
▶ 0:05:19But before we turn to Colombia's new I want to note a loss that touches the same relationship between our two This week, a 26-year-old Colombian Juan Sebastian Duran Guerrero, was shot and killed by an ICE officer in Maine while driving to work. He was authorized to work in the United States and held a valid social security according to his family. His 3-year-old daughter was nearby when he was shot down.
▶ 0:05:50And federal officials have confirmed he was not the target of the warrant that ICE was executing. We spend a great deal of time in this committee discussing violence and impunity in Colombia and across the Western Hemisphere. I think it's important that we take a in this hearing about Colombia to acknowledge a Colombian who lost his life here in the United States under circumstances that I hope the Congress will want answers on in its own right.
▶ 0:06:22And now and to the matter at hand. President-elect de la Espriella won a close race. He did so after President Trump endorsed him in what I believe was an inappropriate action as he did in Argentina and Honduras. Colombia's leaders leaders are for Colombians to choose not the President of the United States or the head of any other nation around the world. Mr.
▶ 0:06:48de la Espriella spent much of his career as a criminal defense lawyer representing figures tied to drug trafficking and paramilitary viral violence including the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia a right-wing paramilitary group that was designated as a foreign terrorist and individuals like Alex Saab a former Maduro ally currently in prison in the United States. Everyone deserves a legal defense and I don't hold that career against him by itself.
▶ 0:07:17And I sincerely hope that he's left those associations in the But given what he has said he will do as president much of his platform gives me serious concern as it does to other members of this body. The President-elect has proposed walking away from peace negotiations with armed groups in Colombia and has pledged a stepped-up military offensive against armed groups.
▶ 0:07:42The American people are not looking to start new wars, especially after the ongoing debacle in and everything that that has brought. If the Trump administration is seriously considering supporting US military they must make their case to the Congress and to the American people. I also have serious concerns about his commitment to full implementation of the historic 2016 peace accords.
▶ 0:08:10President-elect de la Espriella has also said he wants to build 10 mega prisons modeled on Secot in El Salvador, a country where more than 3% of the adult male population is now imprisoned under an ongoing state of emergency with well-documented human rights Colombia's challenges are fundamentally different from El Salvador's, and I'm skeptical that Bukele's efforts can or should simply be replicated in the nation of Colombia.
▶ 0:08:40We also need to know what happens to Colombia's obligations of the 2016 peace accord on land reform, on victims' rights, and protection for social leaders and human rights defenders who continue to be killed at alarming rates in rural Colombia. And security is not the only question before this subcommittee. The status of the million millions of Venezuelans who live in Colombia and whether Mr.
▶ 0:09:06de la Espriella will follow the example of his predecessors, Iván Duque and Gustavo Petro, a conservative and a progressive, who chose to welcome them. I want to know whether the new government will keep that commitment and whether the United States will help Colombia integrate those families as we did before those programs were abruptly canceled last year. So, what I would like to know at this hearing is straightforward. What does the State Department expect from the new Colombian government?
▶ 0:09:36And what actions is the United States expecting to take? And it means understanding how the administration defines success here beyond a change in rhetoric out of This committee deserves real answers about what this administration has promised, what it is prepared to and what safeguards it intends to hold in place. I look forward to your testimony. And I yield back.
▶ 0:10:04And before I introduced our distinguished panelists, I want to agree with you, ranking member, that Joan Guerrero should not be dead, and that I have asked the Trump administration to change some of the misguided enforcement policies of the last years. And I have personally asked them to review those policies and just concentrate on people who do not have papers and who have serious criminal records.
▶ 0:10:33So, I agree with you on that policy in particular. Having said that, we are pleased to have a distinguished panel witnesses before us today on this important topic. The Right? Whiteland, the Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement of the United States Department of State. Mr.
▶ 0:10:55Whiteland has served previously in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs on the State Department's Policy Planning, and also as a senior counsel on the House Committee of Foreign Affairs. Welcome, and thank you for being here to explain to us what's going to happen now with the new government in Colombia and how much help we can give And I also welcome Mr.
▶ 0:11:15Luis Mendez is the Deputy Assistant Secretary for South America for the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs of the State A career member of the senior foreign service, Mr. Mendez has served as acting deputy chief of mission in both Honduras and Costa Rica. So, in other words, you know the region very well. Once again, thank you for being here with us. This committee recognizes the importance of issues before us and is grateful to have you here to speak in front of this audience. Your full statement will be made part of the record.
▶ 0:11:46I ask each of you to keep your remarks to 5 minutes in order to allow members further questions. I now recognize Mr. Wayland for an opening statement of 5 minutes. Thank you for being with us.
▶ 0:11:59Thank you, Chairwoman. Uh it's good to be here today. Um I was a staffer on the Foreign Affairs Committee for 4 years and I always had uh exceptionally good relationships with your staff. Uh I just wanted to commend you for your commitment not only to your constituents, but also to the entire Uh I'd also like to thank uh Representative Castro or uh Chairman Castro uh for Ranking Member Castro, rather, for having me today, as well as all the other uh members of the 11 months ago, Colombian
▶ 0:12:29narco-terrorists attacked a US-titled INL helicopter during a coca eradication operation in Antioquia. 13 police officers lost their lives from a mortar that was planted in the ground and detonated when the helicopter landed. This was a tragedy for the families that lost loved ones and for Colombia, but it hit home for me because earlier that summer, I had flown into the same area on another INL helicopter to observe eradication.
▶ 0:12:58This proximity of events is one of many examples showing how deeply intertwined US interests are in Colombia's web of violence. And my experience, along with that of the tens of thousands of Americans whose lives are destroyed or cut short by cocaine, is proof that narco-terrorist attacks aren't happening in some world far, far away. They have direct implications for and pose a danger to Americans.
▶ 0:13:25Colombia is the source of up to 94% of cocaine seized in the United States and an operating base for at least four US designated foreign terrorist That near and present danger is why despite huge setbacks under the Petro administration, President Trump sought to maintain amicable relations with That is why even during the most difficult days, our partnership with security forces has never ebbed.
▶ 0:13:54And that is why we are optimistic that under President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, our efforts to stem coca cultivation and cocaine production will reach new heights. Doing that will require us to use all tools at our disposal to rein in armed groups that profit from mayhem and whose raison d'être often involves perverse ideological crusades.
▶ 0:14:19Earlier this year, for example, the FARC EP said its guerrilla members, quote, will give their last drop of blood fighting against the American empire, end quote. That imperialism charge is ironic because its declarants seem more intent to fight innocent civilians in their One was a farmer recently driving his truck down a highway in Cauca. A gas cylinder bomb exploded just up ahead of him striking a bus during a traffic jam. His truck went flying from the blast.
▶ 0:14:50Unfortunately and unforgivably, events like this became more commonplace in recent years. President Gustavo Petro's failed total peace negotiations allowed narco-terrorists to regroup, drove eradication to historic lows, and paused extraditions of five heinous criminal One result of his policies is that cocaine production potential now vastly exceeds interdiction efforts. Another is the carnage.
▶ 0:15:21Colombian police officers and soldiers gave their lives last year trying to protect their country and ours. The new president-elect de la Espriella has rightfully called what Colombia is facing a pandemic of insecurity. He has said that quote, Colombia and the United States, united by friendship and the principles we share, constitute an indestructible force in defense of freedom, the defeat of narco-terrorism, and the prosperity of the Americas.
▶ 0:15:51That friendship and indestructible force can be seen in the many ways my office at the State Department has mitigated the downward spiral. Supporting Black Hawks and elite units that have taken down FTO elite leaders, providing US-built vessels and drones, counter-drone capabilities, and forensic software that form the backbone of Colombia's narco-terrorist or narco counter-narcotics operations, exchanging intelligence and squeezing the money launderers who finance these criminal Now we enter a new era.
▶ 0:16:21If the new government delivers, we're prepared to deepen our partnership across every dimension. The Colombian people deserve a government that fights for them. We believe we're about to get one. We ask for this committee's continued support for INL's Colombia programs. Thank you, and I look forward to your
▶ 0:16:39Thank you for your statement, Mr. Wayland, and now recognize Mr. Mendez for an opening statement of 5 minutes.
▶ 0:16:48Good afternoon, Chairwoman Salazar, Ranking Member Castro, distinguished members of the subcommittee. Thank you for the opportunity to testify today. President Trump has returned the Western Hemisphere to the center of American foreign policy. That means close collaboration with regional partners to combat drug trafficking and illegal migration, dismantle criminal networks, and uphold democratic governance. Colombia is central to this work.
▶ 0:17:18It's no surprise that over the past 4 years our partnership with Columbia was The Petro administration's failed policies allowed continued violence, armed group fragmentation, and record coca cultivation and cocaine production. The deterioration of Columbia's counternarcotics performance was a direct result of President Petro's policy choices.
▶ 0:17:43These choices undermined security cooperation, emboldened narcotrafficking organizations, and weakened Columbia's The United States responded accordingly. In September 2025, President Trump determined Columbia had failed demonstrably to make sufficient efforts to meet its international counternarcotics obligations, and Secretary Rubio followed with and targeted sanctions.
▶ 0:18:11Despite this, we did not turn our back on the Colombian people. Our relationship with Columbia's security forces, justice sector, and local officials remained strong Columbia's cooperation on migration enforcement has also been inconsistent.
▶ 0:18:30While transit across the Darién region have dropped sharp sharply under President Trump, the Petro administration has refused to accept deportation flights for most Colombians unlawfully present in the United States. The inauguration of President-elect Delesvrie 7th presents a reset moment. And we are committed to ensuring the United States is an engaged partner from the very beginning.
▶ 0:18:56President-elect Delesvrie has expressed a clear desire to realign Columbia with the United States, join the Shield of Americas, and renew forced eradication of coca. We welcome these commitments and look to deepen cooperation in ways that deliver concrete results for the American That means holding the new government to measurable benchmarks on eradication, extradition, and security cooperation.
▶ 0:19:25The incoming government inherits Membership in foreign terrorist organization has doubled over 5 years. These groups are destabilizing not only Colombia, but Ecuador and Venezuela. They are also diversifying into illegal gold mining and other illicit economies to fund their operations. Colombia's finances are strained.
▶ 0:19:46Its military is undersized, and urgent domestic pressures will compete for the new government's attention and President-elect de Lespriz will need a strong US partner, and we intend to be Our partnership must extend well beyond security. China has expanded its footprint in Colombia, posing strategic risk to critical infrastructure and digital systems. We must compete effectively, and we can.
▶ 0:20:15Colombia offers significant potential for US investment, energy cooperation, and critical minerals development. These are areas where American companies and the US government can offer something China cannot, transparent, rules-based partnerships that strengthen Colombian sovereignty rather than erode it. In closing, Chairwoman Salazar, Ranking Member Castro, members of the committee, the election of de Lespriz is a historic opportunity we cannot squander.
▶ 0:20:45Working with this subcommittee, we can deepen the US-Colombia partnership in ways that deliver for the American people, the Colombian people, and the region. I look forward to your questions. Thank you.
▶ 0:20:56And we welcome that cooperation as well. Now, I want to recognize and welcome to committee uh my good friend, uh Mr. Meeks of New York for an opening statement next, ranking member Meeks. 5 minutes.
▶ 0:21:11Thank you, Madam Chair. And I thank the witnesses for joining us Let me first start by congratulating the Colombian people for once again exercising their fundamental democratic rights. More than 26 million Colombians participated in the June 21st presidential runoff. 63.6% of eligible voters and the highest turnout in the country's history.
▶ 0:21:36This is a powerful demonstration of the Colombians people commitment to democracy even doing a period of profound political polar- I also join the Organization of American States in recognizing the professional work of the National Civil Registry, the National Electoral Council, Colombia's security forces, election officials, observers, and other state institutions.
▶ 0:22:02In an extraordinary tense environment, these institutions helped create the conditions for Colombians to exercise their right to vote freely and securely. By the narrowest margin in Colombia's de la Espriella won the June 21st election. It was close. It was contentious, but let me be clear.
▶ 0:22:26It was free and fair elections with credible So, I say to outgoing President Petro that your response to the results alleging fraud without sufficient evidence risks undermining confidence in Colombia's democratic institutions. Iván Cepeda, the losing candidate, conceded the results. President Petro should follow suit. Let me be equally clear.
▶ 0:22:56For more than two centuries, the relationship between the United States and Colombia has endured because it has always been larger than any single president, political party, or movement of disagreement. That partnership should not and cannot be based on whether the politics of the White House matches that of Colombia's administration.
▶ 0:23:17That is why I'm deeply concerned by the framing of this hearing, which follows a dangerous line of thought that celebrates the ideological identity of Colombia's president-elect more than the Colombian people's democratic rights. The suggestion that Colombia's democracy is legitimate only when Colombian voters select Donald Trump's preferred candidate deepens polarization, undermines confidence in electoral institutions, and disrespects the sovereignty and judgment of the Colombian people.
▶ 0:23:47The United States should champion the democratic institutions that allowed Colombians to make their choice, not attempt to make or influence them for that choice that they chose. That is why I joined my colleagues in denouncing President Trump's attempt to interfere in Colombia's election by openly promoting his preferred candidate and suggesting that a Cepeda victory would threaten or even endanger the survival of Colombian democracy. It is statements like that which endanger Colombia's democracy.
▶ 0:24:17And I've worked with five presidents of Colombia from across the political spectrum: Pastrana, Uribe, Santos, Duque, Petro. And I've had numerous differences with all of them, including President Petro. And I will surely have stark differences with the incoming president.
▶ 0:24:33But I have never doubted the necessity or promise of a strong US-Colombian So I look forward to working with the incoming administration to advance the relationships based on our nation's shared democratic values, because that's what a commitment to democracy looks And without a governing majority in the Colombian Congress, the president-elect will have to work with the opposition and centrist legislators if he hopes to govern successfully.
▶ 0:25:02Just as we here in Washington have to work across the aisle to get things done. And though he may have Trump's endorsement, he will also need Democrats here in the United States Congress to help sustain assistance for Colombia.
▶ 0:25:17That support must be tied to the defense of Colombia's democratic institutions, human rights, the rule of law, the 2016 peace accord, and the safety and political participation of all Colombians, including Afro-descendant and indigenous indigenous communities who have been affected most by the armed conflict, the brutal violence committed by transnational crime organizations that operate within Colombian borders.
▶ 0:25:42In that regard, the Trump administration's cancellation and dismantling of assistance program serving Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities is especially troubling. And I look forward to hearing from our witnesses why the Trump administration has defied uh bipartisan congressional intent and appropriations law and abruptly canceled funding for such activities. In closing, presidents come and go. Political parties rise and fall.
▶ 0:26:13Members of the Congress will be elected and retire. But the friendship and partnership between the American and Colombian people must endure. And with that, I yield back.
▶ 0:26:25Thank you, ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. Meeks, for your statement. And now I recognize myself for 5 minutes of question. Once again, thank you for being here. Looking forward to hear your responses to my questions. Let's start with military support. We know that uh Mr. Wayland that 75% 75% of aircraft and helicopters in the Colombian Air Force cannot take off.
▶ 0:26:57So, what is it that the United States can do immediately in order to help this new incoming government to make those vehicles fly again?
▶ 0:27:10Thank you, Chairwoman, for that question. Um we and INL have a variety of tools at our disposal. Um we have a fleet of Black Hawks um that we uh maintain with the Colombian National Police. Um and as part of that program, we have a group of very talented uh contractors who are expert in various types of aviation uh service and and maintenance. Um so, I'd love to explore with you and
▶ 0:27:36Hawks, how many are we talking about? Can they be given to the new government immediately? What do those Black Hawks do? Can you expand a little bit more on that cuz Black Hawks sounds
▶ 0:27:48They are powerful, ma'am.
▶ 0:27:5029, I believe, we have currently, but we're um interested in speaking to the Colombians and the new administration about uh potentially growing that fleet. Um these helicopters uh conduct a variety of missions. Um just last year alone, they seized over 400 metric tons of cocaine. They eliminated about 200 high-value targets. And they um you know, they're they're they're expert at what they do. Um and so, as I said, we're exploring new opportunities to perhaps grow that fleet.
▶ 0:28:19To grow the fleet uh cuz we know that under the Petro government the last 4 years, the coca crops grew by 300%. Is that true? We're talking about around uh acres of coca crops. Is that correct?
▶ 0:28:35Uh yes, ma'am, about about that. Um the number I have is about 262,000, um which is a historic high. Uh and at the same time, as you know, the Petro administration uh refused to uh be very serious about eradication. So, only about 8,000 hectares were destroyed um last year, and that's a historic low.
▶ 0:28:55Okay, and when you tell me uh destroying them, we know that those um farmers or those people who are growing that coca need to have a substitute cuz they are poor Colombian farmers. Do we have any idea or any any plan to substitute one for the other and make those people eat?
▶ 0:29:16Uh ma'am, as far as economic development goes, that's not what we're in the business that I and INL are doing. Um I know that at least previously there were um high-level ranking officials and may perhaps in even a whole agency that addressed the that question. I also know that the Europeans are very involved in crop substitution programs. So, that partnership we may be able to um you know
▶ 0:29:39What about military bases? How many United States military bases Colombia has on its
▶ 0:29:46I would defer to DOW on that, ma'am. I'm sorry, I don't have that number off the top of my head.
▶ 0:29:50Okay, but if is there any possibility that the the Colombian new Colombian government invites the United States to set up military bases in order to help that eradication process easier? Could Could we consider that?
▶ 0:30:05Well, in INL we certainly could do something similar. We could uh set up forward operating bases in the hard-to-reach territories that right now um are essentially ungoverned spaces. That is something that we and INL have experience doing. And right now, as you know, the rural areas is where a lot of these armed groups are operating with
▶ 0:30:23that look like? If it's not a military base, what does that look like? The other option that you gave.
▶ 0:30:28It's for the national police, which, you know, engage in similar um tactics and operations as the military. Uh those lines are a bit blurred in in Colombia, but I mean, the forward operating bases would be logistics centers where, you know, um the CNP would keep equipment and and technology and so forth that would uh facilitate their operations.
▶ 0:30:49Colombian National Police. Now, Mr. Mendez, I would like to ask you about Do you know President Petro, the outgoing president, called President Trump recently and asked him to lift the United States sanctions that this government has imposed on him. Petro is on the list of the OFAC um OFAC for different type of um of uh um mis- misconducts.
▶ 0:31:18So, we will not go into that. and not only to be he is on the OFAC list, but also his visa to come to the United States has been revoked. Uh what is the State Department advising the president to do to allow President Petro to regain his visa and to be taken off the list of OFAC? What can you share with us?
▶ 0:31:42Thank you, Chairwoman, for that question. Uh the OFAC designation is run out of the Department of Treasury, but what I can tell you, the genesis for that designation was due, as you said, to his uh failed counter-narcotics policies that fueled coca cultivation and uh and and led to cocaine that reached the United States that killed American citizens. So, there was action that was needed to be taken and the president was decisive in taking that action.
▶ 0:32:10Now, as it pertains to uh what our policy will be um with respect to Petro's OFAC sanctions, uh we'll expect him to uh you know, just remediate uh previous actions taken.
▶ 0:32:25Department asking or advising the president to do?
▶ 0:32:29I think that that that's a conversation that the Department of Treasury is
▶ 0:32:32you received any type of information from the White House that that we should consider the State Department should consider lifting those sanctions and allowing Petro to have a United States
▶ 0:32:42Not that at this time, ma'am.
▶ 0:32:44You have not. All right. So, uh Mr. Mendez, let's just move from Colombia to Venezuela. And I I will um not um spend too much more of my time. President Trump said has said repeatedly that Maria Corina Machado from Venezuela can return at any time. He said it the other day on Air Force One coming back from Turkey. He says, "How could I have a problem with that? She gave me the Nobel Peace Prize.
▶ 0:33:13I have no problem with her." So, specifically, what does the State Department what type of plan do we have for her safe return to Venezuela? Give me the most detail you can give me because if the president of the United States is saying publicly that she can return, then we know the deals Delcy's interim government it should be responding to what we ask her to do.
▶ 0:33:41Thank you for that question, Chairwoman. The the policy uh in the State Department is clear. We're not going to obstruct Maria Corina's return back to Venezuela. She is a Venezuelan citizen and entitled to return. Now, I do think that there is some work we need to do in the context of Venezuela so that way when she returns, she doesn't get arrested.
▶ 0:34:01There was an amnesty law that the govern interim authorities put forward that unfortunately, as written, still precludes Maria Corina from entering Venezuela and not be arrested, right? And so, I think uh those conversations need to take place not only for Maria Corina, but for all Venezuelan political exiles that are around the hemisphere.
▶ 0:34:24Some have returned. Some of the members of the opposition forces have been able to go back to Venezuela, but not her. And you're telling me that she's on the blacklist. Is there any way that the State Department can call the Delcy government, including Delcy Rodriguez herself, and inform that this is not what this is what the president would like to see?
▶ 0:34:44Yeah, we we made very clear to the interim authorities, and as Secretary Rubio has clearly articulated, we need to have elections in Venezuela, right? And so part of
▶ 0:34:52you repeat that again?
▶ 0:34:54Yeah, we need to have elections in Venezuela. President uh Secretary Rubio has been very clear that that is part of the democratic transition that we expect in the context of Venezuela.
▶ 0:35:05Cuz we're not in the business of occupying. We're in the business of liberating and allowing for the people to like Chairman Meeks said that let them decide whomever they want to be ruled by or governed by. That's what the United States is in that business. Thank you. Let me just yield back, and now I'm going to um recognize, once again, Mr. Meeks of New York for 5 minutes of question.
▶ 0:35:27Thank you, Madam Chair. Let me just agree with you 100%. We need elections in Venezuela. And let the people's will govern. That's what democracy's all about. My question is for Mr. Mendez. You know, Mr. Mendez, Congress has annually appropriated 25 million for Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities in Colombia. That is not charity.
▶ 0:35:53It's a bipartisan recognition that supporting frontline communities that have borne the greatest burden of decades of war, displacement, and violence is in America's interest. And there can be no serious strategy to confront transnational criminal organizations without investing in the communities they prey upon.
▶ 0:36:13Criminal groups thrive where the state is absent, where poverty is entrenched, and where young people see few They are historically marginalized regions as corridors for cocaine, illegal mining, and other illicit The fiscal year 26 appropriation bill includes $25 million under the national security investment programs to support Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities in Colombia, including support for organizations
▶ 0:36:44led by these communities. So, my question, sir, is how does the State Department intend to comply with this directive, and what programs are currently in place to support Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities in Colombia?
▶ 0:37:00Thank you for that question, sir. What I can tell you now is that there are conversations ongoing about the the 25 million, but big picture, I want to just reiterate the point that you made. The Afro-descendants and indigenous communities in Colombia share a huge burden in terms of the violence that the country has experienced.
▶ 0:37:23The insecure areas along the border, along the coast in Colombia, are areas where these communities live, and I think a lot of the work that we're doing in the security space through partnerships of INL, helping to make these communities safer, helping to make it a place where people feel comfortable walking the streets, sending their kids to school, having a job, is is really important and part of our holistic security strategy as it pertains to Colombia.
▶ 0:37:50Yes, sir, but you didn't I want to make sure that that $25 million is still utilized specifically for those individuals, and I would hope that INL would be focused on just that and would have a plan or let us know here in Congress, report back to this committee as to what they are doing.
▶ 0:38:09I will surely also be speaking to the interim the the the the government elect to make sure that they are also advocating on behalf of the indigenous and African Colombians. Because I'm just looking at the record of those programs that USAID used to sponsor all being cut is absolutely essential. Mr.
▶ 0:38:32Wheeler, the Trump administration has ordered the extrajudicial killing of 221 drug alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific with the stated purpose of stopping the flow of drugs into the United States. Meanwhile, overdose deaths are declining at a much slower pace under the Trump administration than I even under the Biden administration. In 2024, overdose deaths fell by nearly 27%.
▶ 0:39:01Preliminary CDC data show they fell by roughly 14% in 2025. my first question is how much fentanyl do you assess is being produced in South America?
▶ 0:39:19Uh thank you, uh Ranking Member Meeks, for that question. Um we have seen instances of precursor seizures throughout South America. Obviously, when it comes to Colombia specifically, cocaine is uh the name of the game. Um but, you know, we've we've started to see fentanyl pop up in places far from Mexico, not only South America, but precursors in Africa, for example.
▶ 0:39:41You say it's a lot or just a little bit of time? A lot or none?
▶ 0:39:45You mean in South America specifically?
▶ 0:39:48Precursor chemicals, I mean, relative to Mexico, it is is uh significantly uh smaller amount.
▶ 0:39:54And what percentage of cocaine is believed to be produced annually in South America and Colombia that has been interdicted or destroyed as a direct result of the boat strike campaign?
▶ 0:40:05Uh I don't have a specific number for
▶ 0:40:08Well, the New York Times reported in May 2026 that cocaine prices have largely remained unchanged and that the cocaine purity has not meaningfully declined since the strikes began. So, quickly does the INL dispute those And if so, what supports your bureau's Does it dispute them?
▶ 0:40:33Ranking Member, I would just say that as Secretary Rubio has emphasized, um the the boat attacks, which are um conducted by DOW, not by INL the State Department, have been successful. Um you know, in terms of what we're seeing uh relative to cocaine trafficking in Colombia, um last year the uh Colombian security forces um interdicted a all-time high of over a thousand metric
▶ 0:41:00I I I I I hear you, but that's not really answering my question, you know, because I'm trying to figure out, you know, we this exercise was done. I know that and how much it has cost the American taxpayer to do it. I don't think that the you know, it's 4.7 billion dollars, I believe, that it has cost these boat strikes have cost the American people. 4.7 billion dollars.
▶ 0:41:22Uh so, my next question is how many additional INL programs to prosecute drug traffickers, conduct financial crimes investigations, or support civilian uh security conflicted con- conflict affected communities in uh Colombia or South America could be funded with that amount of money. 4.7 billion dollars. Better utilization, don't you think?
▶ 0:41:48Well, Ranking Member Meeks, we are in uh very detailed discussions and have a lot of experience in all of the three of the realms you just mentioned. I know you um earlier were talking about the Afro-Colombian communities. Um those are mostly on the Pacific coast where INL has a uh very substantial presence. Uh and right now there is um uh a re- rejiggered program. Um there was
▶ 0:42:11I I I I don't want to Yeah, I understand, and I don't mean to cut you off. I just don't I'm out of time, actually. But, what's the total dollar amount of INL programming currently in South America?
▶ 0:42:23Uh, somewhere around 600 million. I'd have to get back to
▶ 0:42:27600 million. There's 4.7 billion dollars that was spent for these boat strikes. Don't you think INL could have used that 4.7 billion dollars?
▶ 0:42:38Well, Ranking Member, as you know, that's a UOW budget question, not a State Department
▶ 0:42:42but wouldn't you say it seems fair to say that the Trump administration, you know, 221 individuals died with no due process, failed to stop drug flows into the United States, spent nearly 5 billion dollars that could go down to other proven interventions, including preventing overdose deaths here in the United States. So, to me, it's clear that this administration is winning the race to the bottom.
▶ 0:43:13Well, sir, if if you'd like to talk to your Appropriations Committee friends and appropriate the some some more money to INL, we'd gladly take it.
▶ 0:43:20I want to take some of that 4.7 billion that the American people have to pay for and utilize it in a better manner. I yield back.
▶ 0:43:32Thank you, Ranking Member. Now, I recognize Ranking Member for this subcommittee, Mr. Castro of Texas, for 5 minutes of questioning.
▶ 0:43:41Uh, thank you, Chairwoman. Um, the president-elect campaigned on what he calls, quote, Plan Colombia 2.0, unquote. Military operations against armed groups where he's seeking US support. So, my question for Mr. Mendez, has the administration made any commitment, formal or informal, to support military operations in Colombia consistent with that?
▶ 0:44:06Thank you for that question. The Vice President-elect and his accompanying delegation were at the State Department earlier today and met with Secretary Rubio. And in that conversation, they had a wide-ranging talk about areas of priority. I would say security and counter-narcotics was certainly one of them, understanding that what happens in that space impacts American citizens on the ground.
▶ 0:44:31In addition to that, there was discussions about how we can work on economic and investment opportunities in Colombia as well as
▶ 0:44:41Well, I guess let me let me ask you just cuz I don't want to run out of time. I know you said the meeting just happened today. But are you aware either from today or before today that the administration has committed any kind of resources to support the incoming president's Plan Colombia 2.0?
▶ 0:45:02I think those conversations have started uh this week.
▶ 0:45:06so the administration may decide to support it.
▶ 0:45:09I I think it's clear that we want to prioritize security and counter-narcotics as an area that we want to work in.
▶ 0:45:14Uh when when you have a more firm answer, I hope that you'll communicate that to the subcommittee and the larger for Mr. Whalen, is the State Department viewing the fight against these armed groups and organized crime as principally as a principally military Uh will the INL Bureau support Colombia with judicial, prosecutorial, or investigative capacity building, especially to address organized crime-tied corruption?
▶ 0:45:40Um as far as your first question, I mean, I think we would certainly view this as a um a situation that calls for aggressive law enforcement tactics. Um as you know, we're not um a military assistance bureau, um but
▶ 0:45:55that's why I ask you cuz there's really a mix of both going on. So how how do you see it?
▶ 0:46:00with the military in Colombia. We'll continue to do so along with the national police. As far as your second question, the answer is yes.
▶ 0:46:08So, which of those resources do you anticipate providing? Judicial, prosecutorial, investigative, or do you expect to provide all of them?
▶ 0:46:16Well, we're already doing prosecutorial and investigative. We'd certainly be interested in ramping those up. As far as the third, that's definitely something we'd be happy to explore with the new administration if they're looking for that type of assistance.
▶ 0:46:28Once those decisions are made, if they're made, I hope you'll report back to the committee.
▶ 0:46:31Of course. the president-elect campaigned on a platform of rejecting peace negotiations with armed groups. And so, Mr. Mendez, my question is, is it your view that the Colombian government should continue to implement the 2016 peace accords with the FARC? What steps, if any, is this administration taking to push Colombia to maintain and fully implement that
▶ 0:46:55Thank you for that question. I think the United States cares about peace and justice in Colombia. And we think that the 2006 peace accord is part of that process. That's why we worked as the United States government to support the UN mission in Colombia to make sure that the efforts undertaken by the 2006 peace accord are in fact being implemented on the ground.
▶ 0:47:23There was mission creep associated with that. So, we've asked that our Colombian partners on the ground really focus on demobilization of those FARC dissident elements.
▶ 0:47:33just I I want to get a clear position from the United States Department of State. Um is it the Trump administration's posture to reject uh President-elect Duque's rejection of peace negotiations and following through on the peace accord?
▶ 0:47:51Yeah, I think what Duque has articulated his concerns with the total peace uh process which
▶ 0:47:57Right, I'm going to I'm asking you is our position as a government in contrast to his position? And yes or no?
▶ 0:48:06I I I think in the space of of demobilization, in the space of you know, taking the fight on against these FARC dissident actors, we are clearly aligned.
▶ 0:48:16Well, but he's talked about just rejecting the whole thing, right? I mean, you're talking about a categorical position, not the kind of nuance that you're articulating.
▶ 0:48:26It's still very early on and we look forward to these conversations with the Petro administration.
▶ 0:48:33Okay, I mean, I'm I wish that we could get a clear, more definitive answer now, but we'll have plenty of time for further Uh Colombia's current currently hosts nearly 2.8 million Venezuelan migrants and has been one of the region's most successful examples of large-scale regularization and integration.
▶ 0:48:51However, the president-elect has suggested a greater emphasis on immigration enforcement while offering few details about future regularization Is the administration assessing the potential potential impacts of these policy shifts on US migration dynamics?
▶ 0:49:05And just to put it more clearly as I'm sure both of y'all know, there's a well-told story by the Colombian government even that a big reason you don't have more Venezuelans trying to migrate to the United States and ending up in the United States and presenting at the southern border is because Colombia has taken a lot of them in.
▶ 0:49:24Uh and so if the new president intends to move away from accepting Venezuelans and others uh how does that affect the dynamics of US migration and what counsel do we offer as a State Department to the new president on that issue?
▶ 0:49:41Uh thank you, Congressman. You know, I I I think in that space I would point out a few things. One, um I certainly recognize the role that Colombia has played in welcoming the millions of Venezuelans that were displaced because of the Maduro regime. Uh I think you're well aware of the efforts that we've undertaken in the Venezuela context to create a new chapter where Venezuelans are welcomed back and integrated into their society.
▶ 0:50:06So, you're betting they'll stay there. More of them will stay there.
▶ 0:50:09You're betting that more of them will stay there rather than going to
▶ 0:50:12I I I think I think Venezuelans currently in Colombia, uh you know, once we start seeing transitions occur in the context of Venezuela, will be inclined to go back.
▶ 0:50:24All right. Once again, we'll have a chance to follow up in the coming months. Thank you so much.
▶ 0:50:29Thank you, Ranking Member. Now, I recognize Representative Jackson of Illinois for 5 minutes. Welcome.
▶ 0:50:36Thank you. Thank you, Representative Salazar. Thank you to our panelist. Uh thank you, Ranking Member Castro. Our heart goes out to the Colombian people. I'd like to also mention, remember the name of Johan Sebastian Guerrero. He had a right to be in our country and as an American citizen and a representative, I do apologize for your distinguished citizen being killed on the US grounds um under this administration's policy.
▶ 0:51:07Also, would like to remember the um fisherman Alejandro Guerrero Carranza who was killed in a extrajudicial killing off of the um shores of There have been 221 extrajudicial killings and I hope that our uh Department of Defense stops this killing. The fishermen have a right to uh make a living.
▶ 0:51:30As Colombia enters this new chapter, our Congress must carefully examine how this administration tends to preserve our strategic partnership while encouraging continued progress on implementing the 2016 peace accord, protecting the and indigenous communities, addressing violence against social leaders, managing migration, and expanding legitimate economic opportunities.
▶ 0:51:56Our shared security and depend upon a stable, democratic, and inclusive Colombia. Uh Mr. Whelan, I would first ask you under the USAID had launched the indigenous people and Afro-Colombian empowerment activity in 2021 as a 5-year $60 million initiative. The underlying USAID funding opportunity was also listed by the US government at up to $60 million. Do you know the current status I pace program?
▶ 0:52:28Uh no, Representative Jackson. We are uh not in the business that USAID once was. Uh we focus on security assistance. However, I can tell you that under the previous administration, um there was a uh scholarship program for Afro-Colombians that would allow them to join the um security forces in Colombia. And unfortunately, under the previous administration, that program lapsed. We are currently um in the business or in the process, rather, of bringing something like it um back to INL.
▶ 0:52:57Um under President Trump's executive order, uh we are prohibited from focusing solely on one um social group. Uh however, um this this new program that we're very excited about would extend um eligibility for this type of scholarship not only to Afro-Colombians, uh but also other groups as well. Um and this is meant to sort of uh launch more more people into the security forces. Right now in rural areas, especially, there's a huge shortage.
▶ 0:53:27I think the Colombian National Police estimate that uh they need 7,000 more police officers in those hard-to-reach areas. And this program is is supposed to uh ameliorate that
▶ 0:53:38Okay. Well, thank you so much. The administration did not I cut a line item we can agree under this USAID cut and dismantle a five-year program, something that had proven successful. Um it was an investment that stood between the criminal organizations, some of Colombia's most vulnerable territories. I totally disagree with the administration's approach on not specifically targeting where pain is. Any epidemiologist would tell you you have to first address the pain.
▶ 0:54:07Um have those territories most populated by Afro-Colombians, indigenous peoples become more safe since these cuts?
▶ 0:54:18Well, I would not attribute any security deterioration to the cuts necessarily, but certainly in these communities
▶ 0:54:24In the interest of time, let me just finish this because I think you're pulling me into another direction. I'm also concerned about the possibility the United States may have facilitated a transnational repression by detaining Colombian asylum seeking activist Beto Coral. United States President Mr. Trump weighs in on the election, endorses who he wants in the Colombian election, yet a person here that's an asylum seeker when they have a voice of opinion, they seem to be shut down.
▶ 0:54:52Secretary Rubio has expressed a strong um disagreement with the Cuban government saying that they have a descent of public opinion, yet we see that same faction regime now rearing its head in the United States where we are suppressing different opinions, if you will, freedom of a speech. Have you had any contact with Mr. uh Coral's family or the individual?
▶ 0:55:20Uh no, Congressman. Uh we are not in the asylum business. Uh we
▶ 0:55:24Well, thank you so much. Uh Mr. Chairwoman, I asked that for unanimous consent to enter into articles into the records of memo by Mr. Rubio who approved the the of an immigrant who criticized a Trump ally uh to show that this behavior of the current president squashing legitimate political discussion and conversation within the United States. Madam Chairwoman, I yield back. Thank you for your consideration.
▶ 0:55:53To you. Thank you for your comments.
▶ 0:55:57Now, I recognize uh Representative Wasserman Schultz from the wonderful state of Florida for 5
▶ 0:56:06Thank you, Madam Chair. And it's good to join you and my colleagues on the Foreign Affairs Committee here. I want to start by saying that something that I feel very strongly about the US and Colombia have a deep, strong, and critically important partnership. And it's one that has lasted for more than 200 200 years and overcome all kinds of political disagreements. And I know this firsthand from the large Colombian population that I represent as well as Afro-Colombian.
▶ 0:56:35Um and this is a relationship that should not be contingent on who is in charge. I also want to commend Ranking Member Meeks on his personal commitment to the Colombia relationship, Plan Colombia, and the peace plan. I I just I want to stray from what I was going to my my my question line and just wonder aloud why the administration, Mr. Cartwright, can uh excuse me, Mr. Wieland. Two last names.
▶ 0:57:02Um why the administration can extend refugee benefits solely to white white South Africans but not continue long-standing investments in the Afro-Colombian community that Congress, explicitly the Appropriations Committee, uh a committee on which I am a senior member, have made explicit. You certainly have done right by Afrikaners who have been brought to this country as refugees and directed benefits exclusively to them.
▶ 0:57:31How is it possible that you could do that, treat them as a special class, but the the executive order prohibits targeting assistance to
▶ 0:57:45Uh ma'am, unfortunately, I'm not in the my office does not work on immigration policy or refugee policy, um but
▶ 0:57:52Okay, reclaiming my time because I think the answer is obvious. You pick and choose amongst who which groups you actually prefer to take care of. Um Mr. can you explain why the Trump administration has recognized Delcy Rodriguez as the legitimate leader of
▶ 0:58:13The there was a a recognition that, you know, she uh is currently in in a uh of leadership in in Venezuela, and we have to work with an entity in order to uh advance the interests that uh you know, the American people have in Venezuela. And I think Secretary Rubio has been very clear that part of that is, you know, making sure that Venezuela is stabilized.
▶ 0:58:38Okay, reclaiming my time. What renders Delcy Rodriguez, who is Maduro's handpicked consigliere, the legitimate leader of Venezuela? Donald Trump? Has she won an election? Has the Venezuelan constitution been suspended? Did she receive the mandate of heaven or just a mandate of Trump? Uh the Venezuelan people certainly have not elected Delcy Rodriguez. There appears to be no democratic transition in sight.
▶ 0:59:05As a matter of fact, I just came from a human rights uh the the Lantos Human Rights Commission hearing in which we heard results daily from the human rights abuses that are still occur occur. The laws that have not been been in Venezuela. There has been not only no human rights progress in Venezuela.
▶ 0:59:30Now they've been devastated by two earthquakes and your administration, and I realize you are also not a immigration official, but your administration refuses to extend TPS to Venezuelans. Uh it it is absolutely unacceptable to send them back to a country in that has been devastated by two seven plus earthquakes on the Richter Richter Uh the port of Cartagena in Colombia shifting to Colombia is one of the largest trading partners with Port Everglades in my home county.
▶ 1:00:00And President Trump's tariffs on Colombian imports have undermined jobs and raised prices in my district. Um I I don't see any plans uh that move in the direction of tariff relief in in terms of Colombian goods coming to Florida uh in light of the new government. That it in and of itself is disturbing. Um I I'm sure Mr.
▶ 1:00:21Wayland that you were also disturbed as I was by President Petro's refusal to acknowledge the recent presidential election in Can you share your feelings on President Petro's denial of the election outcome?
▶ 1:00:34Uh thank you, Congresswoman. I think we were all equally concerned when we saw the statements that President Petro made and continues to make as earlier as as trying to to shed um just misrepresentation about what's taking place on the election. So
▶ 1:00:51Right. And and I that concerns me, too. Um so, can you identify, Mr. Wayland, who won the 2020 US presidential
▶ 1:01:01Are you asking Mr. Wayland or Mr.
▶ 1:01:03I'm sorry, Mr. Mendez. Who won the 2020 presidential election?
▶ 1:01:08I'm here to talk about Colombia.
▶ 1:01:09Sure. I I realize that, but I'm asking you a direct question. Who Okay, how about you, Mr. Wayland? Who won the 2020 presidential election? in the United States.
▶ 1:01:18I'm here to talk about Colombia, ma'am, but I know um former President Biden served for 4 years and and personally
▶ 1:01:24win that election?
▶ 1:01:25I'm sorry?
▶ 1:01:26Did the President Biden win that election in 2020?
▶ 1:01:29Again, I think you're trying to embarrass us. Um,
▶ 1:01:31I'm doing nothing of the kind. You you you have been very obviously both of you are very concerned about President Petro's refusal to acknowledge the results of a legitimate election. You just acknowledged that President Biden served for 4 years. Do you think that President Biden won the election in
▶ 1:01:49I gave you my answer, ma'am.
▶ 1:01:50Okay, that's the problem. It's it's very difficult to work together on important issues like Colombian security without having a common set of facts. It's it's incomprehensible to me why you would only be concerned with Petro's denial of election results, but not Jair Bolsonaro's or for that matter President Trump's. And so the inconsistency of your point of view and your positions and the administration's positions undermine this administration's credibility and it's absolutely unacceptable.
▶ 1:02:19Thank you for the indulgence, Madam Chair, and I yield
▶ 1:02:22Of course.
▶ 1:02:23And now I recognize Representative Stanton of Arizona for 5 minutes.
▶ 1:02:27Madam Chair, the United States and Colombia have long shared a partnership built on mutual respect, democratic values, and cooperation to advance security and prosperity throughout the Unfortunately, by making reckless threats to use military force on Colombian soil, the Trump administration did little to keep the US-Colombia partnership on track during President Petro's term.
▶ 1:02:51Rather than build on historic cooperation, Trump administration allowed its political hostility toward President Petro to dictate its Colombia It treated disagreements with one president as reason to undermine a decade decades-long partnership between two nations. The question should never have been whether President Trump personally liked President Petro. The question should have been whether cooperation with Colombia made the American people safer.
▶ 1:03:18And the Trump administration let this dangerous line of thinking bleed over into the Columbia presidential election. Public endorsements and actions fever perceived as favoring one candidate over another undermined our long-standing commitment to non-interference, damaged trust with a critical regional ally, and injected unnecessary strain into a relationship that has been essential to counternarcotics cooperation and regional stability.
▶ 1:03:47America's interests are best served by respecting Columbia's sovereignty and working constructively with the government the Columbia people freely Following the election of de la Espriella, President Trump said he would have {quote} total support and strength of the United States {unquote} behind him. It's unclear what that means.
▶ 1:04:08Assistant Secretary Whelan, you stated in your testimony that {quote} if a new government delivers, we are prepared to deepen our partnership across every dimension {unquote}. In a March 26 report to Congress, the Trump administration estimated the total assistance to Columbia declined from 400 .7 million dollars in FY 24 to 186.9 million in FY 25.
▶ 1:04:35Largely representing cuts to funding for global health and other development Deputy Assistant Secretary Mendez, do these statements indicate a commitment from the administration to reviving our humanitarian assistance to Columbia following President-elect de la Espriella's swearing in next month?
▶ 1:04:55Thank you for that question, Congressman. Uh I think it's clear that we had our differences of opinion with uh President Petro and and did not share uh you know, mutual interests as it pertains to a plethora of different issues, including counternarcotics and security, and we look forward with the Del Esprio administration to to sitting down together and identifying what those areas of cooperation will be.
▶ 1:05:20So, in terms of restoring the humanitarian aid that was cut, is there a commitment or just conversations ongoing?
▶ 1:05:29It's very early on with the Del Esprio administration, and we'll need to sit down with them and figure out what the mutual areas are.
▶ 1:05:36Our partnership with Colombia is strengthened not only through security cooperation, but through sustained humanitarian and development assistance that helps communities displaced by conflict, supports million of Venezuelan migrants and refugees, and promotes long-term stability. That advance and investment advances our values, addresses the root causes of instability, and makes both of our nations safer and more prosperous.
▶ 1:06:00I'm extremely concerned by Del Esprio's promise to build mega prisons similar to those in El Salvador, and the possibility of conducting military strikes against boats and planes carrying drugs in the Colombian waters modeled after the lethal extrajudicial boat strikes carried out by the United States. My second question uh is this.
▶ 1:06:21While I recognize that Colombia's armed and criminal groups have grown and pose a threat to many of the country's citizen and regional no security challenges justify mega prisons the government suggests. Has the administration encouraged any other approaches to tackling armed groups in Colombia? And that's for either witness. Mr. Wiler.
▶ 1:06:42Thank you, Congressman, for that question. Um as my colleague here referenced, it's very early on, but in terms of I&L support, uh we certainly uh welcome the opportunity to discuss corrections. We do that in uh you know, in the far reaches of the world. We have a lot of experience um in providing certain infrastructure, um as well as, you know, uh deep ex- expertise.
▶ 1:07:05Um and so, if the new administration would like to discuss what resources we could potentially uh bring to bear, we'd be happy to do that under the condition, of course, that they um also provide a certain resources themselves so that we can burden share in that space.
▶ 1:07:21Under the US-Colombia partnership underlying it is the fact that President Petro and his predecessor, President pursued closer economic ties with Beijing, including the misguided decision by President Petro to join the Belt and Road uh initiative. Uh this is for either witness. What risk does this expanded role of China in Colombia present for the United States?
▶ 1:07:47It It's certainly an issue that's um you know, has caught our attention, and we were heartened to hear that uh President-elect Alister Ryan has been very clear early on that uh he will uh you know, no longer participate in Belt and Road initiative.
▶ 1:08:04Um and one of the priority areas that we have is making sure that US industry from the United States can compete uh effectively in the context of Colombia that has a very robust critical infrastructure, digital, agriculture uh sector. There are currently 600 companies that operate in Colombia. We think that there can be a lot more.
▶ 1:08:28So, we see that partnership with Colombia as a very strategic and an important one, and a way to counter sort of the opaque processes that China has put in place that has resulted in a closer partnership with China and Colombia.
▶ 1:08:42Thank you very much, Madam Chair. I yield back.
▶ 1:08:45Thank you. And um before I wrap this up, I just want to thank you for your participation and ask you would you would you like to add something else to the questions that we have posed to you? And specifically, what else can the Trump administration through the State Department do in order to help the de la spray a government to flourish not only to eradicate the coca crops but to fight the guerrillas or incorporate them into public life foreign to civil society.
▶ 1:09:15How can we make sure that China is not is not creeping up and gaining more territory in the Western Hemisphere. Those problems that every single country Latin America has. We know that Lesprey wants to be very close to the United States. What else can we do for him in order to to achieve that goal which is beneficial to everybody.
▶ 1:09:39Thank you chairwoman. For me it's quite simple. I think the interest and commitment from both the Democrats and the Republican side of the house towards Colombia is really important and just continuing that will be critical as de la spray it takes on this new challenge at hand.
▶ 1:09:56What in particular should we work together in in order to help him become successful? Anything two or three now you have both members the top members of this subcommittee for Latin America. We work closely together. We want to Colombia to succeed. We knew under Uribe that the plan Colombia 1.6 billion dollars were used correctly by the Colombians by the Colombian police and gave a lot of fruit.
▶ 1:10:24So just explain to us what is it in which way we could work together to make this a very success story.
▶ 1:10:33I'll turn it over to Carter in one minute but one one concrete
▶ 1:10:36and then I have to I want to give
▶ 1:10:37One one concrete area as I said in my statement foreign terrorist organizations have proliferated in Colombia under the Petro administration and they've used illicit economies in order to accomplish that. So one area that we're thinking about is being able to cut those illicit financing streams that these foreign terrorist organizations are using as a way to decapitate them. So, we're working with Department of Treasury, we're working with different entities in this Department of State to take that issue on. But, we're
▶ 1:11:05commit to work with my colleagues on the other side of the aisle in order to make that happen if it's good for for both countries. And thank you. Yes.
▶ 1:11:15Thank you, Congresswoman. I just point to a few things. First and foremost, traditionally there has been bipartisan support for INL programs. And so, we'd really appreciate that to to continue under the new administration. But, more specifically in the security space, we need to work together on going into these ungoverned spaces and reestablishing state control. Two areas in which we can do that immediately under the new administration are to invest in drones and counter UAS equipment. That is the cutting edge of warfare these days.
▶ 1:11:45You see it not only in Colombia, but of course in Ukraine. We need to invest in that. And as I mentioned, the helicopter program, we need to explore opportunities to ensure that Colombia takes over more of the financial responsibility for that program, but also perhaps grow the fleet as I mentioned earlier. In the China space, you're absolutely right that China is a threat. Inside Colombia, we see that in the illicit the PRC-linked illicit networks finance networks.
▶ 1:12:12INL is in the process of deploying some forensic tools that would allow for money laundering to be better detected. We're also involved in developing tools that would allow for crypto seizures. Most recently, I point to um INL working together with Colombia law enforcement to arrest one of the most notorious Chinese money launderers. His name is Chacon. I think that success is representative of the type of work that we can do more of in the future. Thank you.
▶ 1:12:42And I don't want to close off without giving the opportunity to my very good friend from Nevada, Madam Titus. For 5 minutes.
▶ 1:12:51Well, thank you very much. I've been running around, but I wanted to get back to this committee. Uh I just want to ask you about the military strikes in the Caribbean and the Eastern Pacific. You know, the administration notified Congress in October 2025 that the president had determined the US is a non-international conflict with cartels that he's designated as terrorist organizations.
▶ 1:13:14Now, these designated terrorist organizations are not on the public list, the public foreign terrorist organization or specially designated global terrorist list. Those are separate uh distinct classified list. Uh so, but that apparently there's another list, a kind of a secret list of 24 organizations that only a handful of them have become public. That's been through the press, the two groups, the ELN and the Cartel de los Soles.
▶ 1:13:44Um we can find the name of every foreign terrorist organization that's listed in the Federal Register, but we don't really know who these other kind of secret terrorist groups are that are justifying this action. So, can you Mr. Menendez Mr. Mendez reply supply us with a list of these designated terrorist
▶ 1:14:07Thank you for that Congresswoman. In in the remit of the WHA office, we we don't manage that list. I haven't seen that list. I don't have visibility on that
▶ 1:14:16I figured you'd say that. You'd say it was the jurisdiction of somebody else. Y'all always are doing this, Department of Justice or Department of Defense, but surely you are working on these kind of issues. Don't you think it's important that if you don't have it, you should have it and we should have it. We should know who these groups are.
▶ 1:14:34I got I I would point you to our Counterterrorism Bureau for for a response on that.
▶ 1:14:38Well, if we can get that list, would you like to have it? Do you think it would be important?
▶ 1:14:44I'll I'll work with your staff to see what type of information we we could
▶ 1:14:48Well, that's not very helpful, but okay. Uh we'll see what we can find. Uh another question I have is about the 2016 peace accord. Uh we helped broker that. We funded it for I think 9 years. It's done a lot. Supported demining, uh reincorporation. There's an ethnic chapter that protects Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities.
▶ 1:15:12Well, now that eight USAID has been dismantled uh as of this administration, can you tell us uh kind of what's being implemented? Or do you still think that the the accord is a uh worthwhile thing to foster, to continue? Is it in the US interest? What's happening with that?
▶ 1:15:35Thank you for that question. Since the accord was implemented, what we've noticed was that there's been a mission creep associated uh with it. Uh being able to do activities that weren't necessarily at the core interests. So, what we've orchestrated over the past years is essentially an effort to make sure that this uh UN verification mission that uh works in conjunction with the 20 2006 peace accord is doing its core duties, which is focused on demining, which is focused on demobilization
▶ 1:16:05in order to create a peaceful peaceful environment and space for Colombians to to carry out their day-to-day lives.
▶ 1:16:12So, which implementation programs have survived? Are you still supporting the JEP, special jurisdiction for peace? Or is that one you think doesn't fit your
▶ 1:16:23In the recent negotiations with the UN, the JEP component was uh eliminated. Uh and instead, what we've decided to do is prioritize the core work uh the 2006 peace accord, which was on the demobilization of FARC dissident actors.
▶ 1:16:40So, it's kind of kind of being promoted a little bit, but not in the same form as it was, and so that old accord is just out the window. And you think you can continue with uh fighting civil war mass death or lawlessness in Colombia with without this accord in place?
▶ 1:17:00I think the 2006 peace accord is simply just one component of many that we need to make sure we get right in order to bring peace and security and justice to
▶ 1:17:11Okay. Thank you. I yield back.
▶ 1:17:12And I would just add, ma'am, I mean putting aside the legal status of the accord itself, it's very clear that the armed groups that we're all concerned about, that were wreaking havoc across uh Colombia were not respecting it. Um and, you know, so that I think is evidence of certain problems, perhaps.
▶ 1:17:32Um the accord was very important in one uh moment in time, uh but if nobody in the criminal criminal world is is respecting it, then obviously the Colombian government in conjunction with the US needs to recognize that fact.
▶ 1:17:47Do you know the list of that those 24 terrorist groups? Do you have that
▶ 1:17:52I'm not aware of such a list, ma'am, but I know that Secretary Rubio uh briefed both the House and the Senate mul- multiple times. He also had multiple hearings in which the boat strikes came up, in which FTOs came up. Um you know, so I I can't tell you what in a classified setting may or may not have been uh discussed or transmitted to you all, um but I know that he has um brought this up uh on a regular basis.
▶ 1:18:18I was in those hearings. I can tell you we don't want to have the list. Thank you.
▶ 1:18:24Thanks to you, madam, and I thank the witnesses for their valuable testimony and the members for their questions. The members of the subcommittee may have additional questions. And we will ask those to to presented in writing pursuant to the committee rules. All members may have 5 days to submit statements, questions for the record subject to the length limitations. Without objection, this committee stands Thank you again. All right.