PRESS RELEASE
U.S. EMBASSY MADRID, SPAIN

Senate Budget Committee Chairman and U.S. Legislators Discuss Spanish Economy With Spanish Economic Leaders

Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad (D-ND) is leading a 6-member, 5-day, 5-country Congressional delegation to the Eurozone to evaluate the ongoing debt crisis, Europe's response, and the potential impact on the U.S. economy.  The Conrad-led group met with officials in Ireland, Greece, Italy, and was in Spain for discussions with officials from the Bank of Spain and Commerce Ministry, as well as American and Spanish businessman. They will continue to Portugal before returning to the United States Friday.

Other members of the delegation include Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Thad Cochran (R-MS), Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on European Affairs Chairwoman Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Ranking Member Olympia J. Snowe (R-ME), and Representative Dennis Cardoza (D-CA), a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

The primary purpose of the delegation's visit to Madrid is to better understand the economic challenges facing Spain and other members of the Euro area.

U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, Alan D. Solomont, noted that along with President Barack Obama's telephone call with President Mariano Rajoy on Monday, the delegation's visit "is an example of how the U.S.-Spain relationship is a top priority for the political leaders in the United States.  The United States is committed to standing with Europeans and the people of Spain as they put in place a comprehensive solution to the current economic crisis in Europe."

August 8, 2012

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