A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers traveled to Honduras to observe the country’s presidential election on November 30, marking the first time such a congressional delegation (CODEL) has visited Honduras for this purpose. The delegation was led by House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Rick Crawford (R-AR) and included other committee chairs and members from both parties.
The group’s mission was to observe election processes, meet with other international observers including those from the Organization of American States (OAS), and demonstrate support for free and fair elections in Honduras. The delegation visited voting sites in Tegucigalpa and Comayagua, where they were welcomed by voters. They also received briefings from OAS officials about preparations for the election and its integrity.
While in Honduras, the lawmakers met with staff at the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa to discuss regional competition involving the United States, China, and Russia. They emphasized maintaining strong partnerships within the Western Hemisphere to support security and governance. The visit also included a stop at Soto Cano Air Base, where they learned about Joint Task Force-Bravo’s role in promoting regional cooperation.
Chairman Crawford stated: “The shared security of our Western Hemisphere neighborhood rests heavily on our key allies' ability to instill trust in their commitment to democracy and the administering of free and fair elections. The people of Honduras made it very clear they wanted U.S. eyes on this election, and they showed up in droves at voting locations yesterday to peacefully exercise their right to determine the future of their country. I congratulate them on a well-executed Election Day. As we await the conclusion of the tallying process and certification of the results, it is time to let the OAS Observation Mission do its job so all Hondurans can have confidence in the results of the election.”
Ranking Member Jim Himes added: “This week my colleagues and I served the important role of accredited overseers of Honduras’ Presidential election to support a free and fair electoral process. It is critical that the Honduran people see our commitment to a true democratic process that allows the voters to have confidence their voice matters, and they can vote free from fear and intimidation. I hope that our presence offered increased confidence and transparency as we await final results.”
Chairman Bryan Steil commented: “Honduras is a key partner in the fight against narcotics trafficking in the Western hemisphere. I am grateful to have been an official international election observer for their presidential election. I thank Chairman Crawford for facilitating this international election observer program and for his continued support of election integrity in the United States and beyond.”
Rep. Ronny Jackson said: “The stability of our hemisphere depends on our allies standing strong for democracy and conducting fair elections especially those in our own backyard. I was honored to join Chairman Crawford in observing the Honduras presidential election to help ensure a fair process, and I’m encouraged by the strong turnout and the commitment of the Honduran people to choose their own future with transparency and integrity.”
Rep. Ben Cline noted: “Seeing the Honduran people engage so actively in their national election was a powerful reminder of the central role that free and fair elections play in the stability of our hemisphere. Our meetings with OAS officials, U.S. Embassy personnel, EU observers, and local community leaders underscored the importance of continued cooperation to strengthen democratic institutions and advance regional security. I appreciate Chairman Crawford’s leadership on this delegation, and I commend the people of Honduras on a successful and peaceful Election Day.”
Rep. Claudia Tenney stated: "The stability of our hemisphere relies on partners who uphold democratic norms and conduct elections the public can trust. Honduran voters demonstrated that commitment with a strong and orderly turnout, reflecting their determination to shape their nation’s future through a lawful and transparent process. I commend their civic engagement and professionalism shown throughout Election Day. It is important that OAS Observation Mission carry out its full mandate so every citizen can have confidence in certified results.”
Rep. Jimmy Panetta said: “I was honored to join Chair Crawford and Ranking Member Himes as official Election Observers for Honduras national elections,” adding that what he observed at polling stations reflected an excited electorate proud to participate democratically.
The visit comes as part of ongoing efforts by U.S lawmakers to monitor developments related to democracy across Central America.
