Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HR19

Introduced
1/10/23  

Caption

Acknowledging the role of the United States in El Salvador's civil war and urging increased United States support for strengthening civil society, human rights protections, and for humanitarian and development assistance for El Salvador.

Impact

If passed, HR19 may influence U.S. foreign policy and aid towards El Salvador, particularly regarding how humanitarian support is provided and how history is addressed in terms of community rebuilding. It seeks not only to provide aid but to ensure that the multi-generational trauma caused by the civil war is recognized and addressed, thereby potentially reshaping U.S. relations with Central America. The resolution's call for increased investments in civil society reflects a broader aim to foster stability and democracy in the region following decades of strife.

Summary

HR19 seeks to acknowledge the significant role of the United States in the Salvadoran civil war from 1979-1992, spotlighting the extensive military support provided to the Salvadoran army. The bill urges the U.S. government to formally recognize its involvement and the atrocities committed during the conflict while calling for increased support for humanitarian and development assistance to improve conditions in El Salvador. Notably, the resolution emphasizes the need for transitional justice to address the historical injustices experienced by Salvadoran citizens stemming from the civil war.

Contention

Some may view HR19 as an important step towards accountability, while others may perceive it as insufficient in addressing the complex ongoing issues faced by El Salvadorans both domestically and abroad. Critics could argue that while the bill appropriately highlights the role of the U.S. government, it does not effectively tackle the current challenges, such as gang violence and economic disparity, that continue to plague El Salvador. The resolution could incite debates over the balance of accountability and contemporary assistance, especially as it pertains to how U.S. interventions are perceived historically and in present contexts.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HCR39

Expressing the sense of Congress to support the case of Beatriz, a young woman from a rural area of El Salvador, living in extreme poverty and with lupus, who fought for her life against the state to allow her to terminate a pregnancy that put her at risk, which exposed the serious consequences of the absolute criminalization of abortion in El Salvador, and urging the Salvadoran state to assume its international obligations in the field of human rights.

US HR368

Requesting information on El Salvador's human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.

US HR943

Calling for the annulment of the Monroe Doctrine and the development of a "New Good Neighbor" policy in order to foster improved relations and deeper, more effective cooperation between the United States and our Latin American and Caribbean neighbors.

US SR123

Relative to Salvadoran American Day.

US HR982

Condemning the continued violence in Sudan and calling on the international community to unequivocally support diplomatic efforts to achieve a cessation of hostilities, ensure the protection of civilians and secure unfettered access for humanitarian aid.

US HR935

Calling for the safe, timely, and sufficient delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in the Gaza Strip.

US HR1192

Recognizing widening threats to freedom of the press and free expression around the world, reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in countering the growing threats of authoritarianism, misinformation, and disinformation, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2024.

US HCR010

Concurrent Resolution Honoring Utah's Salvadoran Community

US SR195

A resolution requesting information on El Salvador's human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.

US HR369

Supporting the United States-Thailand alliance and urging the Government of Thailand to protect and uphold democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression ahead of the 2023 general elections in Thailand, and for other purposes.

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