Correa Chairs Subcommittee Hearing Examining the Impact of Private Sector Investment in Central America
Washington, D.C. — Today, Chairman Lou Correa (D-CA) held a hearing on Call to Action: Private Sector Investment in the Northern Triangle and its Impact on Homeland Security. The Northern Triangle, which includes El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, has been a significant source of migration to the United States' southern border. To find long-term solutions to the irregular migration from Central America, the underlining problems of violence, war, food instability, natural catastrophes, and climate-related consequences need to be addressed. The private sector has stepped up investment. The hearing examined the private sector objectives, how the investments will bring much-needed development to the Northern Triangle region, highlighted the current challenges, and how the United States government can be a valuable partner in this endeavor.
Rep. Lou Correa said, "We cannot expect migrants to stop making the dangerous journey to the U.S. until they have hope in a better life at home. Building this hope will take time and collaboration across the public and private sectors. The significant commitments obtained by the Vice President from private entities, such as Parkdale Mills, PepsiCo, and Cargill, will support the long-term development of the region—including efforts to foster economic opportunity, strengthen governance, combat corruption, and improve security.”
Key witnesses included Chairman and CEO of Parkdale Mills Anderson Warlick, Senior Director of Government Affairs PepsiCo Dan Christenson, Vice President of Government Relations for Latin America Cargill Maria Nelly Rivas, and Senior Vice President of Center for Strategic and International Studies Daniel Runde.
Background:
Companies and organizations support Vice President Kamala Harris's call to action efforts and have committed over $1.2 billion to promote economic opportunity and a long-term strategy to help address the root causes of migration from Central America to America. These investments will be made in several areas, including promoting sustainable agriculture, bringing internet connectivity to millions of homes, and will develop sustainable business throughout the region.
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