Background and Relevance
A diverse group of nine Mexican senators is in Washington D.C., lobbying against a proposed 5% tax on remittances to Mexico. This initiative is crucial as remittances are a significant source of income for many Mexican families, and the tax could disproportionately affect vulnerable households.
The senators, representing various political parties in Mexico, aim to persuade U.S. lawmakers that this tax would constitute double taxation and negatively impact the most vulnerable families. Their efforts highlight the importance of remittances in Mexico’s economy and the potential consequences of this proposed legislation.
Meeting Key Participants
During their second day of meetings, the Mexican senators engaged with members of both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, including Democrats and Republicans.
- Members of the Hispanic Caucus, led by Raúl Saavedra
- Senators Tim Kaine (Democrat) and John Curtis (Republican), leaders of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee
- Senator Rubén Gallego (Democrat)
- A group of Representatives, including María Elvira Salazar (Republican)
Social Media Update
Senator Andrea Chávez, via Facebook, reported: “We have begun our second official day of activities in Washington D.C., meeting with a key ally of our fellow Mexicans in the U.S.: the Hispanic Caucus, which has expressed its disagreement with the unjust and abusive remittance tax.”
Outcome of Meetings
As a result of the Mexican delegation’s efforts, Representative Nydia Velázquez announced that she will present an amendment against the proposed tax measure, which is pending a vote in the U.S. Congress and could affect money transfers to Mexico.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the proposed tax on remittances? The U.S. Congress is considering a 5% tax on remittances sent to Mexico.
- Who is advocating against this tax? A group of nine Mexican senators representing various political parties in Mexico.
- Who have they met with? Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, including Democrats and Republicans, as well as the Hispanic Caucus.
- What is the potential impact of this tax? The tax could disproportionately affect vulnerable Mexican families who rely heavily on remittances for their livelihood.
- What is the current status of this proposed tax? The U.S. Congress is expected to vote on the measure, and a potential amendment has been announced by Representative Nydia Velázquez.
