Block of Ambassador Aponte Confirmation Will Damage U.S. Commercial Interests in Central America

WASHINGTON, Dec. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) today announced its disappointment in the Senate's recent failure to confirm Mari Carmen Aponte as U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador. After a recess appointment from President Barack Obama in August 2010, Aponte has previously served as Ambassador to El Salvador but faced re-nomination Monday evening.

The USHCC, America's premier Hispanic business organization and the primary advocate for the interests of nearly three million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States that combined generate in excess of $420 billion annually, has been impressed with Aponte's achievements regarding economic development in El Salvador.

"Ambassador Aponte has served the U.S. well as Ambassador to El Salvador," says USHCC President & CEO Javier Palomarez.  "Through leading initiatives such as the Salvadoran Government Ethics committee and Partnership for Growth, she achieved an impressive record as a pro-business diplomat, and her work is creating jobs back home in the U.S." 

Palomarez adds, "While firms throughout the United States and across the globe continue to vie for share in the marketplace, the confirmation of Ambassador Aponte was crucial for continuing our relationship with El Salvador and opening up the possibilities of partnership for Hispanic entrepreneurs. Her work in El Salvador lent to the success of the President's National Export Initiative in boosting exports to emerging markets, and this block may damage the good work that has begun there."

After receiving only 49 votes, two of which came from Republicans, the Senate blocked Aponte's confirmation as Ambassador mostly along party lines. She is the first Puerto Rican Woman to serve as an U.S. Ambassador.

About the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of nearly 3 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States that combined generate in excess of $420 billion annually. It also serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local Hispanic chambers and business associations in the United States and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit www.ushcc.com.

SOURCE United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce