Nydia M. Velázquez

10/08/2021 | Press release | Archived content

Velázquez on Nomination of Mari Carmen Aponte to the Republic of Panama

Washington, D.C.- Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has released the following statement on the Biden Administration's nomination of Ambassador Mari Carmen Aponte to become U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Panama. Aponte previously served as the Ambassador to El Salvador under the Obama Administration and was later made Acting Assistant Secretary in the Department of State's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs.
"Ambassador Aponte is a career public servant, a trailblazer for Puerto Rican women, and immensely qualified to become the next Ambassador to Panama. She has decades of experience and has served honorably in positions in both domestic and foreign affairs.
"From becoming one of the first Latinas to serve as a White House Fellow in the Carter Administration, to breaking barriers as one of the first founding members of a minority-owned law firm, and becoming the first Puerto Rican woman to serve as a U.S. Ambassador, Ambassador Aponte has paved the way for countless Puerto Rican women in public service.
"As Ambassador to El Salvador, she was a strong voice for human rights, sustainable development, and democracy. I have no doubt she will bring her talents and experience to excel as Ambassador to Panama.
"I applaud the Biden Administration for elevating such a powerful and experienced Puerto Rican woman to the position, and I urge the Senate to move quickly to confirm Ambassador Aponte's appointment."