Rep. Chris Stewart (R-Utah) and Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) have launched a new bi-partisan caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives, the Congressional Caucus on Peru.
The Congressional Caucus on Peru is a bi-partisan group of Members of Congress who are dedicated to strengthening the relationship between Peru and the United States, through a frequent exchange of information, bipartisan events, and the promotion of cultural ties.
“Peruvians are the second largest immigrant group in Utah, with approximately 40,000 living in our state,” Stewart said. “I’ve launched this new caucus to not only strengthen the U.S. – Peru relationship, but also specifically Utah’s relationship with Peru. Given that Peru is a major player in trade, education and technology in Latin America, it’s critical that we maintain a strong relationship.”
CONNECTIONS BETWEEN UTAH AND PERU
- Approximately 40,000 Peruvians live, study, and work in the State of Utah making them the second largest immigrant group in Utah after Mexico.
- Many of the Peruvians living in Utah are university professors, teachers and business owners, including the multiple award winning restaurant “Del Mar al Lago” and trucking transportation company “WindStar”.
- The national drink of Peru, “Pisco Sour”, was invented by Utah Native, Victor Morris.
- Utah recently hosted the Pacific Alliance, a meeting with Latin American representatives from Mexico, Colombia, Chile and Peru.
- When Peruvian Ambassador Castilla visited Utah in March 2016, Utah signed an important agreement to bring teachers from Peru to Utah to teach in the dual immersion programs.
- Brigham Young University, Weber State University, Utah Valley University, University of Utah and Utah State University all have agreements with Peru for programs such as study abroads, faculty exchanges, information exchanges, and scholarships.
- Utah exports a high number of products with an emphasis in technology, medical devices, furniture, aircraft and spacecraft parts to Peru. In addition, Peru exports numerous products to Utah, including metals, cereals, grains, fruits and vegetables.
- There are 13 LDS missions within Peru. After Brazil, Peru has the largest LDS community in South America.
Members of the Congressional Caucus on Peru include:
Rep. Chris Stewart (R-Utah)
Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.)
Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah)
Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.)
Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL)
Rep. Henry Cueller (D-TX)
Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.)
Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.)
Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-M.D.)
Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.)
Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.)
To launch the Caucus, a reception is being held tonight in Washington, D.C. with Members of Congress and Ambassador Castilla, the Peruvian Ambassador to the U.S.