WASHINGTON, March 5 (UPI) -- President George Bush, saying the United States has not forgotten Latin America, Monday said Washington is expanding aid for housing, healthcare and education.
"The working poor of Latin America need change and the United States of America is committed to that change," Bush said in a speech to business leaders of the Hispanic Chamber at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. Bush said in coming years $885 million in new U.S. foreign aid would go to Latin America.
The president and first lady Laura Bush embark on a week-long, five-nation trip to Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Guatemala and Mexico on Thursday.
"These are countries that are part of a region that has made great strides toward freedom and prosperity," Bush said. "They're raised up new democracies. They've enhanced and undertaken fiscal policies that bring stability."
Bush said his message to millions stuck in poverty in Central and South America -- where nearly one-quarter live on less than $2 a day -- is "we care about your plight."
