A resolution expressing concern about the increasing influence of the People's Republic of China in Latin America and the Caribbean and calling for strengthened United States economic, security, and diplomatic engagement in the region.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 707
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-30: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S2174-2175)
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-12T19:43:23Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 707) expresses concern over the growing influence of the People's Republic of China (PRC, commonly known as China) in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). It calls for the United States to increase its economic, security, and diplomatic engagement in the region to counter this influence and promote regional prosperity.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes extensive background ("Whereas" clauses) on China's activities and concludes with five main directives for the Senate:
- Affirm US leadership: States that the US is best positioned as LAC's closest partner and commits to countering China's influence.
- Boost US investments: Emphasizes US funding for energy, ports, and mining infrastructure through agencies like the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC, which provides aid for poverty reduction and growth) and the Development Finance Corporation (DFC, which finances development projects) as alternatives to China's loans.
- Develop a counter-strategy: Urges the Trump administration to create a plan addressing China's influence in security, economic, and diplomatic spheres.
- Enhance training and exchanges: Calls for expanded US programs to train and engage LAC security, political, and media personnel to compete with China.
- Promote investment oversight: Encourages LAC countries to create review processes similar to the US Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS, a group that screens foreign investments for national security risks).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. This is a non-binding resolution, meaning it expresses the Senate's views but does not create new laws, mandate actions, or amend statutes.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: May pressure the US State Department, Department of Defense, and agencies like MCC and DFC to prioritize LAC engagement; could influence future budgets and strategies.
- Citizens: Limited direct effects, but increased US aid might improve LAC infrastructure and economic opportunities; heightened scrutiny of Chinese tech could protect data privacy.
- International relations: Signals US intent to compete with China in LAC, potentially straining US-China ties while strengthening US-LAC partnerships; may encourage LAC nations to diversify investments and reduce reliance on China.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- US Government: Executive branch (Trump administration), Congress, and agencies like State Department, Defense, MCC, and DFC.
- LAC Countries: Governments and citizens, particularly in trade, security, and infrastructure sectors; nations like Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, and those with Belt and Road Initiative ties.
- China (PRC): Faces implied criticism of its economic, security, and propaganda efforts.
- Taiwan: Indirect benefit, as the resolution notes China's pressure on LAC diplomatic ties.
- Transnational actors: Criminal networks involved in drugs and wildlife trafficking.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Non-binding nature: Carries no legal force but serves as a political signal, potentially shaping executive policy or future legislation.
- Constitutional role: Aligns with Senate's oversight of foreign relations (Article I, Section 8); reinforces US commitment to Western Hemisphere under Monroe Doctrine principles (a historical policy limiting foreign intervention in the Americas).
- Political context: Bipartisan sponsorship (Democrat Shaheen and Republican Budd) highlights consensus on China competition; references to "Trump administration" and recent events (e.g., 2025-2026) underscore urgency amid US elections and global shifts. Referred to Senate Foreign Relations Committee for review.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-30: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S2174-2175)
- 2026-04-30: Submitted in Senate
Bill Versions
- Expressing concern about the increasing influence of the People's Republic of China in Latin America and the Caribbean and calling for strengthened United States economic, security, and diplomatic engagement in the region. — issued 2026-04-30 — PDF (7 pages)