WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced the Summit of the Americas Act to affirm and strengthen U.S. diplomatic leadership in the Western Hemisphere. The Summit of the Americas, which occurs every three years, convenes heads of state to bolster ties and promote regional partnership.
“All politics are local. The United States does better when the rest of the Western Hemisphere does well,” said Dr. Cassidy. “The Summit of the Americas establishes a pathway by which we can talk about making the hemisphere better off.”
“Our country is strongest when we trust and work with our neighbors,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “The Summit of the Americas helps us tackle the world’s largest issues and strengthens our relationships with our democratic partners in the Western Hemisphere.”
“Coloradans understand that the Americas share more than a hemisphere; we share a braided culture, an economy, and a common destiny that we must write together. We demonstrated this at the successful Cities Summit of the Americas in 2023 and must continue working to deepen these relationships by institutionalizing such summits at least every four years,” said Senator Bennet.
“As Executive Director of the Biennial of the Americas, which proudly hosted the inaugural Cities Summit of the Americas, I wholeheartedly support the Summit of the Americas Act. This legislation is vital for empowering local leadership and fostering subnational diplomacy across the hemisphere,” said FloraJane DiRienzo, Executive Director, Biennial of the Americas. “By strengthening collaboration and driving innovative solutions to shared challenges, it builds on our mission to unite diverse voices and create lasting impact. The Biennial remains committed to advancing this important work for a more connected, equitable, and prosperous future for the Americas.”
In 1994, the first Summit of the Americas convened to promote economic growth and prosperity throughout the Americas based on shared democratic values and the promise of increased trade. The summit elevates global issues like trade and immigration as well as local struggles that are often overlooked. The U.S. hosted the ninth summit in 2022.
Specifically, the Summit of the Americas Act directs the U.S. Secretary of State to support the Summit of the Americas and codify a unit to track commitments to the Summit and work with its partners in other agencies to ensure continued U.S. participation.
Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives María Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37), Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20).
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