Progressive U.S. Lawmakers Convene in Uruguay for Pan-American Congress

A group of progressive members of the U.S. Congress and congressional candidates traveled to Uruguay this week to attend the third Pan-American Congress in Montevideo. The U.S. contingent is led by Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Washington) and includes Representative Jesús “Chuy” García (D-Illinois), Dr. Adam Hamawy of New Jersey, and three Democratic Socialists of America candidates—Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier of New York and Chris Rabb of Pennsylvania. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) will address the gathering remotely, while Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Greg Casar (D-Texas) voiced support from afar.

Common Dreams

Organizers describe the meeting as a platform for “solidarity between peoples” and “sovereignty among nations,” contrasting it with what they label the “Donroe Doctrine” of President Donald Trump. Delegates plan to discuss coordinated responses to right-wing governments in the hemisphere, strategies to counter disinformation, and joint action on climate change and economic challenges. The conference also aims to foster a durable coalition of progressive legislators across North, Central, South America and the Caribbean.

Common Dreams

Lawmakers highlighted the New Good Neighbor Act, introduced earlier this year by Representatives Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) and Delia Ramirez (D-IL). The bill draws inspiration from the 1930s non-interventionist policies of the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration. In a recent interview, Jayapal framed the Uruguay trip as an opportunity to hear Latin American counterparts on how U.S. foreign policy impacts the region and to build a progressive movement against what she called “far-right disinformation.” Ramirez, meanwhile, dismissed a State Department video celebrating the Monroe Doctrine as “cheap imperialist propaganda.”

Common Dreams

Former Colombian President Ernesto Samper, attending the congress, warned that the resurgence of right-wing leaders in the hemisphere is steering the region toward “neofascism.” He characterized Trump’s “hegemonic aggression” as evidence that a progressive and sensible response is needed, a sentiment he hopes the forum will generate.

Common Dreams