A bipartisan delegation from the U.S. House of Representatives traveled to Honduras on November 30 to observe the country’s presidential election. The group was led by Rick Crawford, Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and included several other committee chairs and members from both parties.
The purpose of the visit was to monitor election procedures, interact with observation missions such as those from the Organization of American States (OAS), and demonstrate U.S. support for free and fair elections in Honduras. Members of the delegation acted as accredited observers at polling stations in Tegucigalpa and Comayagua. They also met with OAS officials who shared their assessments regarding election preparations and integrity.
During their stay, the delegation received briefings at the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa about regional competition involving China and Russia, as well as ongoing security cooperation between the United States and Honduras. The group visited Soto Cano Air Base, where they learned about Joint Task Force-Bravo’s efforts to promote regional cooperation and security.
Chairman Crawford emphasized the significance of democratic trust among allies in the Western Hemisphere: “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,” said Chairman Crawford. “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 highlighted transparency: “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,” said Ranking Member Himes. “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.”
Bryan Steil, Chair of House Administration Committee, noted Honduras’s partnership against narcotics trafficking: “Honduras is a key partner in the fight against narcotics trafficking in the Western hemisphere,” said Chairman Steil. “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 remarked on democratic stability: “The stability of our hemisphere depends on our allies standing strong for democracy and conducting fair elections especially those in our own backyard,” said Rep. Jackson. “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 reflected on voter engagement: “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,” said Rep. Ben Cline (VA-06). “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 stressed public trust: “The stability of our hemisphere relies on partners who uphold democratic norms and conduct elections the public can trust,” said Rep. Tenney. “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 described his experience at polling sites:“I was honored to join Chair Crawfordand Ranking Member Himesas official Election Observersfor Honduras national elections,”said Rep.Panetta.“What we sawand feltat polling stationsthatwe monitoredwas an excited electoratethatwas very proudto take partin their democratic process.The peopleof Hondurasspoke resoundinglythrough their votesin what appearedto bea freeand fairelection.The United Statesmust continueits commitmenttoand partnershipwith thistypeof democratic partnerin Central America.”
