North Miami-Dade News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a powerful letter to President Biden, Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) called for the protection of Venezuelan presidential candidate María Corina Machado and her campaign against the relentless attacks by the Maduro regime.

“I am writing to you about the best chance we have for freedom and democracy in Venezuela and the vital need for you to protect it,” said Chairwoman Salazar. “Maduro is frightened by the popularity of the frontrunner Maria Corina Machado and is trying to sabotage her campaign and intimidate her into backing down. Do not let him succeed.”

In her letter, Chairwoman Salazar outlined the urgent case for the United States to defend María Corina from the Maduro regime's attempts to undermine her campaign. The Maduro regime has unjustly disqualified her through the corrupt Comptroller's Office, using vague and spurious charges. Furthermore, Maduro has enlisted the support of Chavista politicians, gangs, and the Colombian terrorist group Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN) to threaten María Corina and her campaign offices.

These actions directly violate the rights of the Venezuelan people to a fair and democratic election. With the upcoming presidential primary election on October 22nd, 2023, Venezuelans have a crucial opportunity to break free from over two decades of socialist tyranny. It is imperative that this chance is protected.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Rep. Salazar recently introduced the bipartisan VOICE Act alongside Rep. Wasserman Schultz (D-FL). This legislation aims to impose sanctions on the Maduro regime for its attempts to ban opposition candidates from participating in the presidential election.

To read Chairwoman Salazar's full letter to President Biden, click HERE.