Florida House Bill H1383

Florida 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/22
• Refer: 1/14/22
• Passed: 3/3/22
• Engrossed: 3/3/22
• Refer: 3/4/22
• Failed: 3/14/22

Caption

United States Department of State's List of Foreign Terrorist Organizations

Impact

If enacted, H1383 would influence U.S. foreign relations, particularly concerning Colombia, by advocating for a continuation of the terrorist designation for FARC. This could impact the military and economic assistance provided to Colombia, as well as influence the public and political discourse surrounding U.S. support for Latin American allies. The memorial seeks to ensure that the United States remains strong in its commitments to combating terrorism and supporting human rights in the region, particularly in light of FARC's historical violations.

Summary

House Memorial H1383 urges Congress to oppose the Biden Administration's decision to remove the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) from the U.S. Department of State's list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations. The bill emphasizes Colombia's historical partnership with the United States, highlighting its transformation from a near-failed state into a stable democracy and ally in Latin America. The memorial serves as a declaration of Florida's commitment to supporting Colombia's government in its fight against terrorism and narcotrafficking, as well as its promotion of democracy and human rights.

Contention

The key points of contention surrounding H1383 include debates over the implications of FARC's designation and the impact of U.S. foreign policy decisions on Colombian democracy. Supporters argue that keeping FARC on the terrorist list is essential to safeguard the gains made in security and human rights in Colombia. Conversely, opponents of the memorial might contend that such a designation could hinder diplomatic relations and ignore the broader context of Colombia's peace processes, potentially exacerbating tensions in U.S.-Colombia relations.