More than 200 years ago, President James Monroe established a simple principle: the security of the United States is directly tied to the security of the Western Hemisphere. Today, that principle is just as vital. With communist China expanding its influence throughout Latin America and transnational criminal organizations threatening American communities, it is time to reaffirm the Monroe Doctrine and put American interests first in our own hemisphere.

President Donald Trump's efforts to expand military training and security cooperation with Latin American partners represent the exact forward-thinking America First policies our national security demands. Deploying elements of the 10th Mountain Division to Panama for jungle training and joint exercises marks an important step toward strengthening the Shield of the Americas initiative.

By strengthening our regional allies, we take the fight to criminal organizations before their operations reach American communities. Providing partners with the training, equipment and intelligence they need helps them dismantle drug-trafficking networks, disrupt smuggling routes and stop deadly drugs before reaching our borders. This protects American interests while allowing allies to take the lead in securing their own countries.

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The Trump administration is also expanding regional intelligence capabilities by shifting MQ-9 Reaper drones from U.S. Africa Command to U.S. Southern Command. Supporting operations in Colombia and Ecuador, these aircraft deliver critical surveillance to track trafficking networks across remote jungles, borders and maritime routes. Combined with greater intelligence sharing and coordinated operations, these efforts help dismantle criminal networks at the source.

However, drug trafficking is only one part of the threat. During a recent congressional delegation trip to Ecuador, Peru and Colombia, we saw firsthand the growing influence of communist China. Beijing has spent years expanding its economic and strategic footprint through investments in ports, mining operations, critical infrastructure and key industries. These investments are not simply about trade; they give China leverage over regional economies, access to critical resources and influence over historically reliable American partners.

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One of the clearest examples is the Port of Chancay in Peru. Built and operated by Chinese state-owned COSCO, this deep-water port has the capacity to transform trade between South America and Asia. While increased trade benefits Peru's economy, China's control of critical infrastructure raises serious security concerns regarding intelligence collection, logistical support or future military use. The United States cannot stand by while our greatest strategic competitor establishes a foothold in our backyard.

While in Peru, our delegation met with U.S. Ambassador Bernie Navarro, who is actively strengthening this crucial partnership. Navarro is demonstrating the value of strong American diplomatic leadership. His recent coordination with Peruvian defense officials and Southern Command commander General Francis Donovan to combat narcoterrorist organizations, including those in the Valle de los Ríos Apurímac, Ene y Mantaro (Valley of the Apurímac, Ene and Mantaro rivers), also known as the VRAEM region, is the results-driven engagement we need.

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These efforts reinforce a central truth: a strong American presence in the hemisphere does not require us to act alone. It requires working with willing partners who share our interest in combating criminal networks, protecting sovereignty and preventing hostile foreign powers from gaining strategic influence. That is why renewing our commitment to the Monroe Doctrine is critical.

The Western Hemisphere cannot be treated as a secondary priority while China expands its influence and criminal organizations exploit weak institutions and porous borders. The threats emerging from Latin America directly affect American national security, our economy and the safety of our communities.

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As a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, I believe our foreign policy and assistance must produce tangible benefits for the American people. Our embassies, security partnerships and diplomatic resources must focus on advancing American interests, countering Chinese influence and helping allies confront shared threats.

That also means demanding accountability. Taxpayers deserve to know their dollars are spent effectively, that partners contribute their fair share and that investments deliver measurable results. We should cut wasteful programs and direct resources toward initiatives that strengthen national security.

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America First does not mean America alone. It means recognizing that American strength, backed by capable regional partners, is the best defense against regional threats. Trump's expanded security cooperation in Panama, increased intelligence capabilities in Colombia and Ecuador, and renewed diplomatic engagement in Peru are vital components of that strategy.

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The Monroe Doctrine was built on the understanding that foreign threats in our hemisphere cannot be ignored. Two centuries later, that lesson remains true. A secure Western Hemisphere is essential to a secure United States — it is time we start treating it that way.