Kamlager-Dove, Meeks Push State Department for Answers on Brazil

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Reps. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Co-Chair of the Congressional Brazil Caucus, and Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, led 10 Members of Congress in demanding answers from the State Department about its decision to revoke Brazilian Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti's diplomatic visa.

In their letter, the lawmakers condemned the decision as an unnecessary escalation that threatens U.S.-Brazil relations and undermines American interests in the Western Hemisphere. They emphasized Brazil's importance as a major democracy and regional security and trading partner.

"This unnecessary escalation is the latest of a series of actions that has driven a rupture in our relationship with the largest democracy and economy in South America. At a time when the Trump Administration claims to be prioritizing the Western Hemisphere, this misguided decision further damages America's reputation in the region and pushes Brazil closer to the hands of our adversaries," wrote the lawmakers.

The lawmakers also criticized what they described as the Trump Administration's sustained effort to influence Brazil's 2026 elections. They cited State Department officials' meetings with former President Bolsonaro, sanctions against Supreme Court Justice de Moraes, and statements questioning the integrity of Brazil's elections as actions threatening the country's democratic institutions and electoral processes.

"Congress therefore has an obligation to understand why the Department of State departed from established practices and took the extraordinary step to revoke the Brazilian Ambassador's visa," concluded the lawmakers.

The letter can be viewed in full here.

In addition to Reps. Kamlager-Dove and Ranking Member Meeks, the letter was signed by James P. McGovern, Pramila Jayapal, Nydia M. Velázquez, Jonathan L. Jackson, Sylvia R. Garcia, Dina Titus, Yvette D. Clarke, Mike Quigley, Jasmine Crockett, and Madeleine Dean.

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