Latin American Action Agenda for the New Congress (Latin American Outlook‪)‬

The 112th Congress is justified in questioning whether the United States has sound policies and sufficient resources in place in the Americas. President Barack Obama's commitment during the 2008 campaign to build a policy with the region stoked expectations of a sustained and serious dialogue with our neighbors that, frankly, never happened. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's numerous trips to the region have not advanced any particular objective, theme, or principle. Congress's refusal to consider pending trade agreements has undermined economic ties with two friendly nations. And the failure to recognize the challenges of a hostile regime in Caracas has left our adversaries emboldened and our allies isolated.