Rubio Tests His Influence By Backing Colombia Peace Deal Before Trump
Rubio Tests His Influence By Backing Colombia Peace Deal Before Trump
In a speech at COA’s Washington Conference, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio threw his support behind Colombia’s peace process in a sign the Trump Administration may back the controversial plan.
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio threw his support behind Colombia’s peace process Tuesday, giving the Colombian government a major political boost as it seeks to persuade President Donald Trump to continue U.S. backing of the controversial plan.
In a speech, the Miami Republican remarked on the United State’s role in Colombia’s journey from a near failed state 15 years ago to a thriving success story that has is now one of the United States most important regional partners.
“All of that is a result of U.S. engagement, not U.S. disengagement,” Rubio told Latin American leaders at the 47th Annual Washington Conference on the Americas, co-hosted by the U.S. State Department and the Council of the Americas.
Rubio never mentioned the $450 million that former President Barack Obama promised the Colombian government. The money is now in doubt as the Trump administration plans to slash foreign aid as part of 31 percent cut to the State Department’s budget, but Rubio’s endorsement is seen as a likely sign that Trump will continue to contribute significant resources to the effort...
