Animal Wellness Applauds House Committee for Upcoming Look at the Scandal of Doping in American Horse Racing

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Animal Wellness Action, the leading animal protection group working to advance the Horseracing Integrity Act on Capitol Hill, applauded the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Subcommittee on Consumer Commerce and Protection for scheduling a hearing to look at the problem of widespread doping of equine athletes in American horse racing. The Committee announced a hearing on the Horseracing Integrity Act, which has a majority of House members as cosponsors and would set up a new regulatory system to end race-day doping of horses.

“The American people have lost their patience waiting

Statement from Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad F. Wolf on Migrant Caravan

WASHINGTON - Today, Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad F. Wolf issued the following statement regarding the migrant caravan at the Guatemala-Mexico border.

“I commend the Government of Mexico for upholding their commitment to increased security and law enforcement at their southern border. The efforts by the Mexican National Guard and other officials have thus far been effective at maintaining the integrity of their border, despite outbreaks of violence and lawlessness by people who are attempting to illegally enter Mexico on their way to the United States. DHS is monitoring the caravan closely, we have dozens of personnel on the ground in Central America assisting local immigration and security officials, which have already led to hundreds of individuals being stopped, apprehended and sent back to their home countries.


“Being part of large group, like a caravan, provides no special treatment or benefits to those who participate. Unfortunately, there have been acts of reported violence by some involved in this caravan.  The Department is prioritizing the safety and security of our officers and the American people. Should any members of the caravan reach the U.S-Mexico border, they will be processed accordingly and quickly removed, returned or repatriated.”

The United States Continues to Support a Peaceful, Democratic Transition in Venezuela

Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State

On January 21, the United States identified 15 aircraft as blocked property of state-owned oil company Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA).  Several of these aircraft have been involved in the harassment of U.S. military flights in Caribbean airspace or have been used to transport senior members of the illegitimate former Maduro regime, which continues to subject the people of Venezuela to brutal and dictatorial practices.  As a result of this action, U.S. persons are on notice that they may not transact with these aircraft – to include chartering, contracting, refueling, or purchasing them – except as otherwise authorized.

The United States took this action pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13884, which blocks the property and interests in property of the Government of Venezuela.  This action furthers U.S. efforts to use targeted sanctions and steady diplomacy to end Maduro’s attempts to usurp power, and to support a Venezuelan transition to democracy, including free and fair presidential elections.

The United States and democratic allies around the world remain committed to the Venezuelan people and their categorical rejection of Maduro’s brutal and dictatorial actions.  Working together, we support the peaceful restoration of democracy, economic stability, and rule of law in Venezuela.

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo’s Meeting with Brazilian Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo

Office of the Spokesperson

The following is attributable to Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus:

Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met yesterday with Brazilian Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo on the margins of the Counter Terrorism Ministerial in Bogota, Colombia. Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Araujo highlighted our close partnership in the global fight against terrorism. Secretary Pompeo also commended Brazil for its leadership and efforts in seeking a resolution to the political and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela and support for democracy in Bolivia.

Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Araujo discussed the significant economic relationship between the United States and Brazil and efforts to jointly promote transparent regional procurement and investment practices. The Secretary noted that the U.S. will advocate strongly for an invitation to Brazil to begin the accession process to the OECD, as the Brazilian government has continued to align its economic policies with OECD standards.

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo and Colombian Minister of Defense Carlos Holmes Trujillo At Colombian National Police Counternarcotics Directorate (DIRAN)

Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State

Bogota, Colombia

DEFENSE MINISTER TRUJILLO:  (Via interpreter) Distinguished guests, distinguished Secretary of State, generals, officers invited to this event, we would like to underscore the efforts that the Colombian Government has been making in the eradication of the global threat that is drug trafficking.  With the help of the United States, we have been eradicating crops.  The – our efforts with manual eradication have increased.  Since President Duque has taken office, the increase in the eradication and the success has been enormous.  We will continue working in this sense, working with the Orion programs – Orion 3, Orion 4, as well as doing naval – working with our navy and also in aspersion.  As soon as we get an okay for the environmental support for us to continue spraying, we will do that.  We – what we want to do is make sure that in the future, the world will be a world free of drugs.

SECRETARY POMPEO:  Thank you.  Thank you, Mr. Minister.  I will be brief today, but I wanted to thank you all for coming out to be with me.  This is an important mission, and I wanted to express on behalf of the United States our thanks to you and our continued commitment to this important program.  We are grateful for the sustained partnership between the United States and the Colombian police, including those of you who are working directly with eradication on the ground, aviators, commandos.  I know you all live this.  You all understand these risks.  So do we.

These gentlemen sitting here to my left have made great sacrifices in pursuit of this important work, and the good news is we’ve seen progress.  In calendar year 2019, as the foreign minister said, we reached new highs, you reached new highs in your efforts.  That came with a lot of sweat and a lot of training, a lot of hard work and a lot of risk.  The United States knows that and we stand with you to assist you in these important efforts.  We’re confident in this year, 2020 – in the year ahead – we will still do better and that the work between eradication and interdiction will stem the flow of these dangerous materials all across the world.  It matters to the United States, it matters to Colombia, it matters to the people of this region.  The work that you undertake is noble and important.

I want to commend the cadets’ commitment to service and being role models to their communities.  Our State Department is providing support and assistance to these cadets, and just yesterday, I had the chance to be out with 22 families, families of those who were killed by terrorists a year ago.  The United States won’t forget; I know that you will not forget.  We know the risk that you all take, and it reminds us all of the importance of the efforts and challenges that are presented to you, the Colombian National Police.

I want to announce too today that we recognize the injuries and suffering that some of you and your families have experienced.  Today, I’m announcing a $1 million project to improve the ability of wounded warriors to find employment, to have successful careers after their time in service when they have sacrificed so much on this important mission.  Thank you.  Muchas gracias on behalf of the American people.  God bless you, good luck.  Keep going, keep up the mission, and thank you so much on behalf of the United States of America for your continued efforts.  God bless you.

The OAS Revival

Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State

Organization of American States

Washington, D.C.

SECRETARY POMPEO:  Thank you.  Good morning, everyone.  I want to thank the Permanent Council Chair from Guyana for honoring the United States request to speak today.  And I’d also like to recognize the OAS’s superb Secretary General, Luis Almagro, for your excellent leadership in support of democratic values.  I want to extend my regards, too, to Assistant Secretary General Nestor Mendez, as well.  Good to see you this morning.  And I further want to thank our ambassador, Carlos Trujillo, for all the good work that you’ve done here leading the American mission at the OAS with great vision and with great energy and vigor.  Thank you for that.

I’m reminded as I stand in front of this beautiful array of people and in this gorgeous place – I’m

Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook

Brian H. Hook, Special Representative for Iran and Senior Policy Advisor to the Secretary of State

MS ORTAGUS:  Hey, everybody.  Happy Friday.  Good to see all of you.

Today, I thought I would start things off by highlighting a few things from this past week, make a couple of announcements, and then move on to introducing our briefer, who I think all of you know very well at this point.

Secretary Pompeo this week has been in California.  On Monday, he gave two important speeches, the first at Stanford University, where he addressed how the United States is restoring deterrence as a part of our overall strategy towards the Islamic Republic of Iran.  Later he spoke at an event in Silicon Valley, where he emphasized the importance of U.S. businesses making thoughtful decisions that include national security considerations.  In meetings with several businesses and industry groups, Secretary Pompeo stressed the importance of America’s innovative economy to our national security.

Secretary Pompeo also held meetings with his counterparts from Japan and South Korea.  He also