North Miami-Dade News

Washington, D.C. - House Foreign Affairs, Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) has called on President Biden to reinstate sanctions on the socialist Maduro regime. This demand comes after the regime's violation of the agreement negotiated by President Biden and Nicolás Maduro on October 17th, 2023.

In her letter to President Biden, Chairwoman Salazar emphasized Maduro's attempt to manipulate the opposition by handpicking a candidate who poses no threat to his regime. She stated, "This is a clear breach of the agreement reached on the 17th of October in Barbados which you facilitated. As such, you must keep the agreement and reimpose sanctions."

Chairwoman Salazar further highlighted Maduro's consistent refusal to hold free and fair elections in Venezuela, despite the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for the end of next year. Specifically, she pointed out how Maduro has targeted María Corina Machado, the main opposition figure, by declaring her campaign illegal and resorting to violence and intimidation tactics. Chairwoman Salazar voiced her concern over these actions and urged President Biden to protect María Corina's candidacy.

The agreement made between President Biden and the Maduro regime aimed to establish fair and democratic presidential elections in Venezuela. In exchange, the Biden Administration lifted sanctions on Venezuelan oil, gas, and gold. However, Maduro promptly violated the agreement by suspending the results of the primary elections, where María Corina received overwhelming support from Venezuelans across the world.

To ensure the integrity of the agreement, Chairwoman Salazar emphasized the need for the United States to reimpose sanctions on the regime's exports. This move would hold the Maduro regime accountable for its actions and send a strong message in support of democracy and human rights.

Chairwoman Salazar's efforts extend beyond Venezuela, as she works to assist individuals suffering under socialist regimes in Cuba and Nicaragua as well. She has sponsored important legislation, such as the AFFECT Human Rights in Venezuela Act and the Venezuelan Adjustment Act, to address these issues and support the exile community.

The letter from Chairwoman Salazar to President Biden can be read in its entirety [here](link to the full text of the letter).

This demand from Chairwoman Salazar highlights the urgency of addressing the violations committed by the Maduro regime and reinforces the need for the United States to stand firm in its commitment to democracy and human rights.

Click this link to access more information: https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-demands-president-biden-reimpose-sanctions-maduro-regime