WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Kaine (D-VA) and John Curtis (R-UT), led a bipartisan resolution in support of the Venezuelan people in honor of the one-year anniversary of Nicolas Maduro’s theft of the Venezuelan presidential election. The resolution condemns the Maduro regime’s ongoing repression and human rights violations and recognizes the resilience of Venezuela’s democratic opposition under the leadership of Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo Gonzales.
“One year after Venezuelans overwhelmingly rejected authoritarianism at the ballet box, the Maduro regime continues its campaign of fear and intimidation,” said Ranking Member Shaheen. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution denouncing the Maduro regime’s authoritarian crackdown and expressing our unwavering support for the Venezuelan people. During our recent conversation with Maria Corina Machado, Senator Scott and I witnessed firsthand the extraordinary leadership, courage and conviction of Ms. Machado in allowing Venezuelans to hope for a brighter democratic future. This resolution reaffirms that the United States stands firmly at their side.”
“It’s now been one year since Nicolás Maduro stole Venezuela’s presidential election from the Venezuelan people, rightful President Edmundo González, and democracy leader María Corina Machado, and the United States is clearer than ever in its resolve to stand on the side of democracy,” said Senator Scott. “The international community recognizes that the people of Venezuela made their intention clear last year when they voted to kick Maduro out of power and make room for a new day of freedom, but Maduro continues his desperate, illegitimate cling to power with continued oppression of the Venezuelan people. I am proud to stand with my colleagues, President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and the freedom fighters in Venezuela who deserve freedom, justice, and a government that respects their voices - not a murderous dictator – and will continue working to strip Maduro’s regime of every resource to help finally bring a new day of freedom to Venezuela.”
“The United States must not forget about the people of Venezuela, who overwhelmingly rejected Nicolás Maduro last year during a free and fair election but continue to suffer under his brutal regime,” said Senator Kaine. “This bipartisan resolution recognizes the resilience of the Venezuelan people, underscores that the United States will not stand by while Maduro and his cronies commit gross human rights violations, and reaffirms our commitment to a democratic transition of power in Venezuela.”
“The Venezuelan people have shown remarkable resolve in their pursuit of democracy,” said Senator Curtis. “I’m proud to support this bipartisan resolution that condemns the Maduro regime’s continued efforts to silence the will of the people. The United States should always stand with those who seek freedom, fair elections, and the rule of law.”
The full text of the resolution can be found here.
Ranking Member Shaheen has a been a strong advocate for the Venezuelan people in the U.S. Senate. Through her work on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Shaheen has consistently supported the democratic opposition and has pushed for bipartisan efforts to hold the Maduro regime accountable and defend human rights in Venezuela. On July 21, Senator Shaheen and Senator Scott met virtually with Maria Corina Machado, who remains in hiding in Caracas.
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