Chairwoman Salazar Convenes Hearing on a New Beginning for Colombia, Meets with Vice President-elect José Manuel Restrepo

Image July 15, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative María Elvira Salazar (FL-27), Chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, chaired a hearing examining the future of U.S.-Colombia relations following the election of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella. Later, Salazar met with Colombia’s Vice President-elect José Manuel Restrepo and members of the incoming administration at the U.S. Capitol.  The hearing, titled “A New Beginning for Colombia,” focused on security cooperation, countering drug trafficking, economic ties, and the opportunity to strengthen the longstanding alliance between the United States and Colombia.  “The Colombian people have chosen a new direction and a new vision for their country, one rooted in security, prosperity, and democracy,” said Chairwoman Salazar. “President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella has made clear that Colombia is ready to once again stand as a strong and reliable partner of the United States. Today’s hearing was about looking ahead and ensuring America is ready to seize this moment, renew our historic ties, and open a new chapter for Colombia and the Western Hemisphere.”  Chairwoman Salazar questioned Assistant Secretary F. Cartwright Weiland of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement and Deputy Assistant Secretary for South America Luis Mendez about reports that a significant portion of the Colombian Air Force’s aircraft and helicopters are not mission-capable, limiting operations against coca cultivation and armed groups. She asked whether the United States can help restore those capabilities and bolster efforts against drug traffickers and guerrilla organizations.  Rep. Salazar also raised U.S. sanctions policy toward outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro and efforts to facilitate the safe return of Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. Watch the full hearing here Rep. Salazar Hosts Colombia’s Incoming Leadership at the U.S. Capitol Following the hearing, Chairwoman Salazar welcomed Colombia’s Vice President-elect José Manuel Restrepo, incoming Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar, incoming Defense Minister General Jorge Eduardo Mora López, and incoming Commerce Minister Mauricio Gómez to the U.S. Capitol for a meeting with Members of Congress. The meeting offered an early opportunity for dialogue with the incoming government as Colombia prepares for its transition of power.  “It was an honor to welcome Colombia’s incoming leaders to the United States Capitol at such an important moment for their country,” said Chairwoman Salazar. “The conversations we begin today will help shape the work ahead. I look forward to President-elect de la Espriella’s inauguration and to turning this moment of promise into a lasting new era for the United States and Colombia.” Congresswoman Salazar represents one of the largest Colombian communities in the United States in Florida’s 27th Congressional District. As Chairwoman of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, she has made strengthening America’s relationships with democratic partners across the region a central priority of her work in Congress.