The recent formation of a bipartisan caucus in the U.S. Congress is set to enhance trade, cooperation, and security between the United States and El Salvador. Established last July, this new working group aims to open avenues for dialogue and bolster the strategic partnership between the two nations.
The caucus, proposed by Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz of Florida, was officially inaugurated on July 8. Gaetz, who attended President Nayib Bukele’s inauguration in June, expressed admiration for the progress El Salvador has made under Bukele’s leadership. «Through the inspiration of El Salvador’s amazing transformation, the great American rejuvenation can also become a reality,» Gaetz remarked, emphasizing the caucus’s role in amplifying the positive reforms undertaken by Bukele’s administration.
The bipartisan group, co-chaired by Congressman Vicente González of Texas, is expected to focus on key issues such as trade, immigration, and security. González expressed pride in being part of this initiative, which aims to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries.
One of the caucus’s first actions included sending a letter on August 6 to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The letter, signed by both Republican and Democratic members, requests a downgrade of the U.S. travel advisory for El Salvador from level 3 to level 1, citing significant improvements in safety due to Bukele’s security policies. Republican Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar, a member of the caucus, highlighted the request as a recognition of the “public safety miracle” achieved in El Salvador.
On August 12, the caucus welcomed two new members: Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace from South Carolina and Republican Congressman Cory Mills from Florida. This expansion was announced by President Bukele via X, signaling growing support for the initiative.
Additionally, the caucus has garnered support from the organization Republicans for National Renewal, which has urged the U.S. government to adjust its travel warnings, arguing that the current status is detrimental to Salvadoran tourism and bilateral relations.
Recent activities of the caucus include a visit by Gaetz to the Terrorism Confinement Center (Cecot) in El Salvador and meetings with President Bukele and Salvadoran police officials to review the country’s security measures.
Political scientist Oscar Peñate notes that the caucus represents a significant «recognition and confidence in the leadership of President Nayib Bukele.» Peñate predicts that the caucus will inspire increased U.S. investment in El Salvador and enhance economic, commercial, industrial, and technological cooperation between the two nations.
Initially, the caucus includes members such as Andy Biggs, Dan Bishop, Alex Mooney, Lauren Boebert, Lou Correa, Eli Crane, Anna Paulina Luna, and Ralph Norman, with more congressmen expected to join.
As this new caucus continues to engage with Salvadoran leaders and assess the progress of ongoing reforms, it underscores a renewed commitment to strengthening the U.S.-El Salvador relationship.