“Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you for holding this important hearing today.

“Before we begin, I want to speak on the tragedies in both Haiti and Chile. Although these two earthquakes were very different, both ended the lives of so many, and I want the people of Chile and Haiti to know that our thoughts and prayers are with them.

“Ensuring the greatest freedom, security and prosperity in Latin America is my ultimate goal as the Ranking Member of this subcommittee. During this hearing, I want to get the thoughts of our witnesses on three specific areas: freedom, security, and prosperity in Latin America.

“In Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Cuba, the struggle for freedom and democracy continues.

“In the past several years, we have seen thugocrats in the hemisphere alter their constitutions so that they can remain leaders for life.

“We have seen elections stolen in Nicaragua and Venezuela.

“And in the streets of Caracas, we see democracy being stolen in plain daylight.

“I firmly believe that Hugo Chavez is turning Venezuela into a dictatorship, and has made Venezuela a country who Simon Bolivar himself would be ashamed of.

“Whether it is quashing free and independent media outlets like RCTV, or threatening his political opponents with violence and imprisonment, Hugo Chavez epitomizes what it means to be a thugocrat.

“His actions threaten the freedom, security and prosperity of the entire hemisphere, and we cannot continue to let this stand.

“I also believe that populism is the worst enemy of prosperity in Latin America.
“Without fail, every time one of these so-called “revolutionaries” or “populists” comes to power, the few generating industries or resources that the country has are targeted. They are either nationalized, confiscated, or stolen – and history proves that these populist leaders rarely, if ever, return any wealth to their people.

“Mr. Chairman, I have introduced legislation which supports President Obama and his agenda to strengthen U.S. trade relations with key partners like South Korea, Panama, and Colombia. I cannot think of a better way to fight populism and to bring greater prosperity to these countries than by passing these free trade agreements.

“These trade agreements will create jobs, grow our economy, and level the playing field for American manufacturers and businesses.

“Finally, Mr. Chairman, one cannot have prosperity without security.

“Hugo Chavez is intent on making Venezuela the launching point for terrorism in the hemisphere. He has become Iranian leader Ahmadinejad’s best friend, allowing terrorist organizations like Hezbollah and Hamas to enter the hemisphere and infiltrate the capitals of the region.

“In the resolution which I introduced with my good friend, Congressman Ron Klein, Venezuela would be designated as a state sponsor of terrorism. This is a resolution which I hope this Committee will consider this year.

“We all have seen the reports: unchecked flights from Iran to Venezuela; easy access to Venezuelan passports; lax security at Venezuelan airports; and Iranian banks working with Venezuelan banks to avoid sanctions and fund terrorists.

“I must ask, Mr. Secretary, what is the Administration doing to curb the terrorism coming out of Venezuela, which could eventually find itself on our very shores?

“As we address these very important issues, I look forward to hearing from our witnesses today.”

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