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Representative Adriano Espaillat Submits Written Testimony in Support of the Confirmation of Juan Carlos Iturregui to Serve as U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic

June 13, 2024

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WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) submitted the following written testimony to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Chairman Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Ranking Member Jim Risch (R-ID) supporting the confirmation of Juan Carlos Iturregui to be the U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic.

The following are Rep. Espaillat written testimony:

“I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for Juan Carlos Iturregui’s confirmation as the United States Ambassador to the Dominican Republic. Mr. Iturregui’s extensive background and unwavering commitment to strengthening the ties between our two nations make him an exemplary candidate for this important role.

Mr. Iturregui’s distinguished career and his profound understanding of the region’s socioeconomic and political landscapes uniquely position him to advance U.S. interests and foster a robust partnership with the Dominican Republic. His biography reflects a deep dedication to international development and cooperation, as seen in his leadership roles at the Inter-American Foundation, where he has successfully spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development across Latin America and the Caribbean.

The strategic partnership between the United States and the Dominican Republic is of paramount importance. The bipartisan House Resolution 98, which I introduced earlier this Congress, highlights the significance of this bilateral relationship, notes that “the United States and the Dominican Republic share a long history of close relations, including economic, cultural, and familial ties.” This resolution underscores our shared commitment to democracy, security, and prosperity in the Western Hemisphere.

Furthermore, the joint readout from the White House on June 10, 2022, emphasizes the critical nature of our engagement with the Dominican Republic and the broader Caribbean region. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, in a meeting with leaders of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Dominican Republic, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to addressing shared challenges such as climate change, energy security, and economic development. The readout states, “The leaders underscored the importance of strong U.S.-Caribbean partnerships to advance a shared vision for a secure, democratic, and prosperous hemisphere.”

The economic ties between the United States and the Dominican Republic are substantial and growing. In 2022, the two-way trade of goods between our nations was valued at $22.4 billion, with U.S. exports to the Dominican Republic totaling $12.9 billion and imports amounting to $9.5 billion. Additionally, U.S. foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Dominican Republic totaled $3.4 billion in 2022 and exceeded $4.0 billion in 2023. These statistics underscore the vital role that economic cooperation plays in the U.S.-Dominican Republic bilateral relationship and the importance of continued engagement between our countries to promote mutual prosperity.

Mr. Iturregui’s appointment as Ambassador will further solidify this vision. His expertise in navigating complex international issues, coupled with his dedication to fostering inclusive growth and development, will prove invaluable to our bilateral relations. His leadership will undoubtedly help advance shared goals, including the promotion of democratic values, economic cooperation, and regional security for the future of our Hemisphere.

In conclusion, I strongly urge the Committee to confirm Juan Carlos Iturregui as the United States Ambassador to the Dominican Republic. His exceptional qualifications and proven track record make him the ideal representative to strengthen and expand the enduring relationship between our two nations.

Thank you for your consideration."

 

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Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fourth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 118th Congress. He is also a member of the House Budget Committee and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), where he serves in a leadership role as the Deputy Chair as well as Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI). Rep. Espaillat is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov