WASHINGTON, USA (FOLHAPRESS) - The nomination of Daniel Perez, chosen by the Donald Trump administration to take over the United States embassy in Brazil, advanced in the Senate this Wednesday (22). The Foreign Relations Committee approved his name, which will now go to a vote in the plenary.
Appointment of new US ambassador to Brazil advances in American Congress
WASHINGTON, USA (FOLHAPRESS) - The nomination of Daniel Perez, chosen by the Donald Trump administration to take over the United States embassy in Brazil, advanced in the Senate this Wednesday (22). The Foreign...
The expectation is that Perez, approved by 13 votes to 8, will be included in a package of nominations that the Senate intends to vote on before the parliamentary recess, scheduled for the end of the month. The list, however, has not yet been finalized.
Of the 13 votes in favor, 11 came from Republican senators and two from Democrats. The result is seen as a victory for Perez, as he received the support of two of the main opposition figures on the committee: Tim Kaine, who chairs the Subcommittee for the Western Hemisphere (responsible for Latin America and the Caribbean), and Jeanne Shaheen, vice-president of the Foreign Relations Committee.
The vote makes it even more likely that Perez will join the nomination package later this month. The eight votes against were from Democratic senators.
If approved, with the sending of Perez to Brazil, the US will once again have an ambassador in the country since Elizabeth Bagley - appointed by Joe Biden - left the post after the end of the Democrat's term. The American mission in Brasília is currently commanded by chargé d'affaires, Gabriel Escobar.
Last week, the Cuban-American was questioned by the commission. On the occasion, he highlighted shared economic interests between Brazil and the United States, such as critical minerals, stated that transnational criminal organizations "threaten American communities" and, in a conversation with journalists after the hearing, said he believes that Brazil will hold "free and fair" elections.
During the hearing, Democratic senator Tim Kaine questioned Perez about the 25% tariff imposed by the US on Brazilian products. The nominee responded that, as the measure had been announced the night before, he had not yet had time to analyze its details.
Kaine countered by stating that the US records a trade surplus in its relationship with Brazil and that any retaliation by the Lula government could harm American exporters. After the hearing, Perez acknowledged that the American surplus is a fact, but reiterated that he needed to better understand the scope of the new surcharges.
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Source: Noticias ao Minuto - Mundo
This story was originally published by Noticias ao Minuto - Mundo. Visit the original publication for further details.
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