U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, R-Fla., the chairwoman of the U.S. House Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, is championing a proposal which, she insists, would “unleash the potential of a close economic relationship with Uruguay, a trusted partner of the United States.”
Salazar introduced the “United States–Uruguay Economic Partnership Act” with U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, D-NJ, co-sponsoring it.
“At a time when our enemies abroad are trying to expand their reach in the Western Hemisphere, this legislation is critical to strengthening our partnership with our friends in the region like Uruguay,” the congresswoman’s office insisted. “The United States – Uruguay Economic Partnership Act provides Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA) benefits (duty-free entry to the United States for certain products) to Uruguay. It also includes Uruguay in the list of countries whose nationals are eligible for admission into the United States as E1 and E2 nonimmigrants while requiring a report on the eligibility of Uruguay for the visa waiver program (allowing nationals to enter the United States without a visa for tourism or business for less than 90 days).
“While the United States imports more than $2.9 billion in goods from Uruguay, we still lag behind China and Brazil as their main exporting partners. The United States relies on key Uruguayan agricultural imports including beef, wood, caviar, and fruit products. To keep prices stable for Miami consumers, we must enhance access to Uruguayan markets with a trade and immigration policy that reflects our commitment to this partnership,” Salazar’s office added.
“Uruguay is one of America’s best friends in South America and is a shining example of how economic freedom promotes prosperity,” said Salazar. “I am proud to introduce this legislation expanding our ties with Uruguay by increasing opportunities for economic and cultural exchange between our two nations.”
“For economic growth and stability, it is essential that we prioritize our strategic partnerships across the globe,” said Kim. “This legislation is an important step to bolster our valued and close partnership with Uruguay. Strengthening ties between our nations will not only benefit our countries’ economic relationship, but also uplift cultural ties and create new opportunities for our Uruguayan communities in the U.S. and those in Uruguay.”
The bill was sent to the U.S. House Judiciary and the Ways and Means Committees. So far, there is no companion measure over in the U.S. Senate.
