WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and ranking member of the Western Hemisphere Sub-Committee, issued the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s decision to end foreign assistance in Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador.

“The decision to stop foreign assistance to Central America actively undermines the security interests of the United States. It is reckless and counterproductive. This assistance enjoys widespread, bipartisan support because it directly fights the instability that drives people to leave their homes in the first place.

“Contrary to the Trump Administration’s rhetoric, foreign assistance is not a handout or a gift to foreign governments.  It supports programs to fight gangs and drug trafficking.  It combats corruption.  It creates educational and economic opportunities that benefit both the U.S. and local economies.  Most of this assistance does not go to central governments and much of it supports the work of non-profit and faith-based organizations.

“I have no doubt that gangs, cartels, and corrupt officials will celebrate this decision, as it would reduce the pressure the U.S. has been applying on them. We will similarly see more people forced to leave their homes to seek refuge in our country.  I am committed  to working with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to prevent this reckless decision from moving forward.”