Unfortunately, media and constituents at times misconstrue trips abroad as flamboyant travel by members of Congress at taxpayers’ expense.

Speaking at the 2009 Latin American Cities Conference in São Paulo, U.S. Ambassador to Brazil Clifford Sobel outlined the advances in the U.S.-Brazil relations in recent years and how the Obama administration envisions future partnerships with its Brazilian counterparts.

At an AS/COA launch for The Portable Island: Cubans at Home in the World, the book's editors joined Cuban experts in discussing the Cuban diaspora and the implications of the U.S. embargo. This book will be reviewed in the Summer 2009 Americas Quarterly.

A São Paulo summit brought together heavyweights to talk about Brazil’s ethanol industry as well as related environmental concerns. Meanwhile, Colombia sees its own ethanol presence grow while the United States remains caught up in debate, tariffs, and subsidies.

Mauricio Funes took office this week in El Salvador, marking a historic power handover. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton attended, stressing the Obama administration's "new approach" to the Americas. At the OAS General Assembly in Honduras, the OAS chose to reverse a 1962 ruling that suspended Cuban membership.

With trade a hard sell in Washington these days, it's time for the White House to actively support a free trade agreement with Panama, argues COA's Eric Farnsworth in Poder. The election of businessman Ricardo Martinelli as Panama's new president demonstrates the country's commitment to global commerce as a means to economic growth.

In a historic move, the Obama administration chose Sonia Sotomayor as the first Hispanic nominee for the Supreme Court. Analysts predict she will win confirmation, though the process may not be free of controversy.