Bill included in annual defense policy bill passed by Congress, strengthens partnerships across the Western Hemisphere
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Bill Cassidy, and Michael Bennet, along with U.S. Representatives Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Joaquin Castro, and María Elvira Salazar celebrated the passage of the bipartisan Summit of the Americas Act as part of the fiscal year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the annual defense policy bill. The bill affirms U.S. support for the Summit of the Americas, a gathering of heads of state from across the Western Hemisphere to bolster ties and promote regional partnership. The bill also clarifies the U.S. commitment to the Cities Summit of the Americas, which was first held in Denver in 2023.
“The Summit of the Americas provides us and our democratic partners in the Western Hemisphere a unique forum to tackle the world’s largest issues and deepen our economic ties,” said Hickenlooper.
“The Summit of the Americas is key to building a stronger, more prosperous hemisphere,” said Dr. Cassidy. “The Senate reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties and promoting economic growth across the Western Hemisphere.”
“Coloradans understand that the Americas share more than a hemisphere; we share a braided culture, an economy, and a common destiny that we must write together,” said Bennet. “By passing this legislation, Congress has committed the United States to continue deepening these relationships by institutionalizing such summits at least every four years.”
The first Summit of the Americas began under former President Bill Clinton in 1994 as a way to promote economic growth and prosperity throughout the Americas. The U.S. hosted the most recent summit in Los Angeles in 2022 and Denver convened the first-ever Cities Summit, which brought together municipal leaders and advocates from throughout the Western Hemisphere.
The Summit of the Americas Act, which the senators introduced in November, directs the Secretary of State to support the Summit of the Americas and work with interagency partners to ensure continued U.S. participation. The bill also expresses support for the new Cities Summit of the Americas to continue as a key element of the larger convention.
Hickenlooper previously led the delegation’s effort to support Colorado’s bid to host the Summit of the Americas and spoke at the Denver Cities Summit in 2023. As Mayor of Denver, Hickenlooper helped to create the Biennial of the Americas to foster innovation and cultural exchanges between Colorado and the Western Hampshire. Hickenlooper also cosponsors the Increasing American Jobs Through Greater United States Exports to Africa and Latin America Act, which would support U.S. greater investment in the region.
For the full text of the Summit of the Americas Act, click HERE. For full text of the NDAA, click HERE.
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