Senator Tim Kaine’s Push for Human Rights Report on El Salvador Fails

Senator Tim Kaine’s Push for Human Rights Report on El Salvador Fails

On Thursday, an effort spearheaded by Senator Tim Kaine from Virginia to compel the Trump administration to release a report on human rights practices in El Salvador fell short. The resolution did not gain enough support, resulting in a roll call vote of 45 to 50 against it.

Kaine, along with fellow Democratic Senators Chuck Schumer from New York, Chris Van Hollen from Maryland, and Alex Padilla from California, sought to invoke provisions from the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Their goal was to introduce a privileged resolution – a measure that mandates a vote regardless of Republican opposition – aimed at ensuring the administration discloses pertinent information regarding El Salvador’s human rights conduct.

Details of the Proposed Resolution

Speaking to reporters before the vote, Kaine emphasized the potential consequences of the resolution. If passed, it would freeze foreign assistance directed towards the Salvadoran government in the event that the Trump administration failed to comply.

Kaine’s remarks made a direct appeal to the Salvadoran government. He broke into Spanish while addressing the nation’s leaders, sending a clear message: “You might think it’s cute right now to grab attention by a bromance with President Donald Trump. He will not be in office much longer – tres años más, three more years.”

Responses from Senate Colleagues

On the Senate floor, Republican Senator John Barrasso from Wyoming fiercely opposed the resolution. Barrasso labeled the Democratic majority as one that would