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#2023WCA: Bill Hagerty on U.S. Policy in the Americas

The Senator talks about challenges and opportunities for Washington in Latin America.

Speakers

  • Bill Hagerty, U.S. Senator (R-TN)
  • Susan Segal, President & CEO, Council of the Americas (Interviewer)

In a conversation at the 53rd annual Washington Conference on the Americas, held at the OAS, Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) highlighted the importance of Latin America for the United States. "This is a critical area for America for our strategic position in the world, and it's an area where i think there's tremendous opportunity," said the senator. "It's also an area…where we're missing opportunities time and again because we could be more present."

Hagerty went on to note that Latin American leaders he met with told him that Washington would be the partner of choice. "We just need to continue to find opportunities to work together," Hagerty said. "To the extent that we aren't there, China will be … Our economic strength and our economic ties are going to support our national security ties."

AS/COA's President and CEO Susan Segal agreed with the assessment that Washington should be more present in the hemisphere.

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