On March 19, 2025, Kimberly J. Penland, the U.S. Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, addressed the Organization of American States (OAS) on inter-parliamentary engagement. Penland expressed gratitude to the President and Vice President of ParlAmericas for their presentations and emphasized the importance of addressing regional challenges that test democratic systems.
"The United States remains committed to fostering meaningful engagement between national legislatures and this organization," said Penland, highlighting the principles in the Inter-American Democratic Charter. She noted that institutions like ParlAmericas are crucial for advancing democratic accountability and transparency.
Penland raised concerns about representatives from Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela participating in ParlAmericas. She stated that these regimes have dismantled democratic institutions and violated human rights, which undermines ParlAmericas' principles.
"Chair, the United States calls for a reevaluation of the inclusion of these regimes in regional inter-parliamentary engagements," she urged. The OAS Legislative Engagement Act of 2020 was cited as evidence of U.S. dedication to integrating parliamentary perspectives into OAS activities.
The idea of establishing a hemispheric parliamentary assembly similar to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly was mentioned as a potential framework for legislative engagement. However, Penland acknowledged differing views among OAS member states regarding this approach.
"The United States respects these viewpoints and welcomes a principled approach that strengthens cooperation between executive and legislative branches," she stated.
Penland concluded by urging vigilance against authoritarian regimes infiltrating democratic spaces and reaffirmed U.S. commitment to ensuring organizations like ParlAmericas remain forums for genuine democratic exchange.
"We stand ready to collaborate with partners in pursuit of these objectives," she concluded.