Bridgetown, Barbados – Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement:

“Today, our bipartisan Congressional delegation arrived in Barbados. While in country, we will meet with government officials and regional experts to discuss ways to advance our respective security, economic and climate goals. Our delegation will also commemorate the 58th anniversary of Barbados’ independence and the 100th birthday of the trailblazing Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, a proud Barbadian-American.

This trip builds upon efforts undertaken by the Biden-Harris administration in the region and is an opportunity to continue strengthening our relationships across the Western Hemisphere. Last year, I led a Congressional delegation visit to Trinidad and Tobago, where we joined Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government Conference. We reaffirmed the strong partnership between the United States and our neighbors in the Caribbean, and have since continued our work across the region. 

It is an honor to lead this distinguished Congressional delegation, which includes senior committee members relevant to critical issues in Barbados and throughout the Western Hemisphere. We look forward to a constructive and enlightening visit.”

The Members of the delegation are:

• Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08), Democratic Leader, U.S. House of Representatives
• Rep. Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-American Samoa), Vice-Chairman, Committee on Veterans’ Affairs; Member, Natural Resources Committee; Member, Foreign Affairs Committee
• Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA-43), Ranking Member, Committee on Financial Services
• Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY-5), Ranking Member, Foreign Affairs Committee; Member, Committee on Financial Services
• Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-12), Ranking Member, Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, Committee on Appropriations; Member, Committee on the Budget; Co-Chair, Democratic Steering and Policy Committee
• Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV-4), Chair, Congressional Black Caucus; Member, Committee on Ways and Means; Member, Armed Services Committee
• Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY-9), Member, Committee on Energy and Commerce; Member, Committee on Homeland Security
• Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH-3), Ranking Member, Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance and International Financial Institutions, Committee on Financial Services
• Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Member, Committee on Energy and Commerce
• Rep. Stacey E. Plaskett (D-Virgin Islands), Member, Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence

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