Johnston Reporter

U.S. Congressman Wiley Nickel (NC-13) co-led a bipartisan delegation trip to Latin America to engage in discussions with foreign leaders and partners on issues of immigration, counterterrorism, trade, national security, intelligence, and law enforcement. 

The bipartisan delegation trip was organized by the House Committee on Homeland Security and the U.S. Air Force, and comprised of Congressman Wiley Nickel (D-NC-13), Congressman August Pfluger (R-TX-11), Congressman Carlos Gimenez (R-FL-28), and Congressman Aaron Bean (R-FL-04). The bipartisan delegation trip included visits to Brazil, Colombia, and Panama. 

In Brazil, Congressman Nickel participated in a business energy roundtable discussion at the U.S. Consulate General in Rio De Janeiro, met with Federal Deputy Soraya Santos, met with the Federal Police Superintendent for the State of Rio, visited the Brazilian Federal Police International Police Cooperation Center, and heard from experts on China’s increasing presence in the region. 

In Colombia, Congressman Nickel participated in a briefing on current efforts to combat illicit narcotics trafficking, observed a coca paste lab presentation and demonstration with a walk through of a coca field, and met with Foreign Minister Álvaro Leyva and Defense Minister Iván Velásquez to reaffirm the historic, long-standing bilateral relationship between the United States and Colombia.  

In Panama, Congressman Nickel participated in a helicopter overflight of the Darién, toured the San Vicente migrant camp and witnessed the need for continued robust international investment, and met with Foreign Affairs Minister Janaina Tewaney Mencomo and Public Security Minister Juan Manuel Pino Forero.

Original source can be found here.