Washington, D.C. - Last night, the House of Representatives unanimously passed the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act (NICA) of 2016. Introduced by Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), H.R. 5708 requires the United States to oppose international loans to Nicaragua until the Ortega regime takes serious steps towards democratic reforms.
Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) issued the following statement on passage of H.R. 5708: “In a blatant attempt to hold on to power, the Ortega regime is forcibly silencing anyone who disagrees with them. A number of individuals have been expelled for being critical of the government - from NGOs to journalists to U.S. government officials. Innocent Nicaraguans are being harassed, beaten, and tortured. As elections approach, it is clear they will be anything but free and fair. We can’t be silent while democracy deteriorates. I commend Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen for her work on this legislation, which ensures that the Nicaraguan regime is not rewarded for their oppressive tactics.".
