Tim Kaine's Push to Mandate Salvadoran Human Rights Report Fails to Gain Traction
The Democrats’ attempt to compel the Trump administration to produce a report on El Salvador and human rights was unsuccessful, ending with a vote of 45-50 on Thursday.
A Senate vote on Thursday to require the Trump administration to produce a detailed report on El Salvador’s human rights practices failed, with 45 senators in favor and 50 opposed. The measure, led by Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., aimed to increase transparency regarding U.S. foreign assistance to El Salvador and its compliance with human rights standards.
Kaine and fellow Democratic co-sponsors, including Senators Chuck Schumer of New York, Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, and Alex Padilla of California, exercised powers under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to introduce a privileged resolution. This legislative maneuver forced a floor vote despite opposition from Republican lawmakers. The resolution would have mandated the administration to provide a report; if refused, it could result in a freeze of U.S. foreign aid to El Salvador’s government.
During a press conference announcing the initiative, Kaine indicated that the measure was intended as both a signal to the government of El Salvador and a practical step toward greater accountability. He addressed Salvadoran officials directly in Spanish: “You might think it's cute right now to grab attention by a bromance with President Donald Trump. He's going to be a president for poco más — tres años más.” Kaine added that U.S.-El Salvador relations would remain strong, but warned, “The U.S. will not soon forget you violating the human rights of American citizens – you're wrong.”
On the Senate floor, debate grew heated. Senator John Barrasso, R-Wyo., criticized Democrats, stating, “Senate Democrats are voting once again to defend illegal immigrant criminals. They seem to like to do that. It’s hard to believe, but it’s true.” Barrasso, serving as majority whip, further remarked, “They’re going to come to this floor today, and they’re going to line up to express their blind loyalty and belligerent support for illegal immigrant criminals.”
Republicans contended that the resolution would hamper efforts to deter criminal elements such as MS-13 from entering or remaining in the U.S. "No Democrats are going to be able to answer the question – How does allowing MS-13 gang members to roam free in our communities make America safer?" Barrasso added.
Central to the controversy is the case of Kilmar Garcia, a Salvadoran national with family living in Maryland. Senator Van Hollen had recently traveled to El Salvador, attempting to facilitate Garcia’s return. Democratic lawmakers accuse the Trump administration of ignoring court orders related to Garcia’s case and failing to ensure due process.
“We will use this resolution to force accountability,” said Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, a House supporter of the Senate effort. However, Kaine clarified that their actions in the upper chamber did not require approval from the House.
During a recent Oval Office meeting, President Trump and Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele reportedly agreed that returning Garcia would be “preposterous,” with both leaders disputing the interpretation of the relevant court order.
The resolution’s failure ensures there will be no immediate new reporting requirements on El Salvador’s human rights record by the administration, leaving ongoing disagreements over deportation and foreign aid unresolved.