North Miami-Dade News

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar and other representatives have introduced a resolution recognizing María Corina Machado as the legitimate presidential candidate for the upcoming Venezuelan elections. The resolution has also been introduced in the Senate by Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott.

According to Rep. Salazar, "The Venezuelan opposition overwhelmingly chose María Corina Machado to lead the fight against the Maduro regime. The United States must offer its full support for her and her campaign as millions of Venezuelans around the world rally around her struggle against the dictatorship."

Earlier this year, the Maduro regime made an agreement allowing María Corina Machado to run in the opposition presidential primary elections in exchange for loosened American sanctions on Venezuela's oil, gas, and gold exports. However, immediately after Machado's victory, Maduro nullified the result of the election, violating the agreement with the United States.

In recent months, the Maduro regime has become more desperate to distract from Machado's growing support. Maduro conducted a sham referendum on the annexation of the Essequibo region of Guyana and issued an arrest warrant against several members of Machado's political advisors on charges of money laundering.

These actions are seen as part of the socialist agenda, with the belief that if you can't win the right way, you cheat.

Rep. Díaz-Balart stated, "I am proud to introduce a resolution that strongly supports María Corina Machado as Venezuela’s legitimate presidential opposition candidate and condemns the Maduro regime’s attempts to exclude any legitimate opposition from political participation. The Venezuelan people, both in Venezuela and abroad, overwhelmingly endorsed María Corina Machado as the leading Venezuelan opposition candidate."

Rep. Giménez added, "The murderous Maduro regime is threatening, intimidating, and silencing opposition candidate María Corina Machado. This blatant attack on democracy shows the regime’s desperation in the face of impending defeat. The Venezuelan people are determined to free themselves from communism with María Corina, and the United States must stand with the freedom-loving people of Venezuela."

The resolution aims to show support for Machado as the best chance for Venezuela to rid itself of over two decades of socialism. It also condemns the Maduro regime's attempts to exclude legitimate opposition from political participation.

For more information and to read the full resolution, click here.

Click this link to access more information: https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-introduces-resolution-recognizing-maria-corina-machado-venezuelas-only