North Miami-Dade News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) expressed gratitude for the committee approval of their bipartisan bill, the VERDAD Reauthorization Act, aimed at countering the Maduro regime's assault on democracy in Venezuela.

In a joint statement, Salazar and Wasserman Schultz highlighted the importance of the VERDAD Reauthorization Act in addressing the ongoing crisis in Venezuela. They stated, "We are grateful that members of the Foreign Affairs Committee share our outrage regarding the Maduro regime’s renewed assault on democracy in Venezuela and stand in solidarity with the Venezuelan people, who continue to suffer under the boot of the dictatorship."

The lawmakers emphasized the significance of the original VERDAD Act passed four years ago, which aimed to sanction regime officials violating human rights, counter Venezuela’s collusion with adversaries, and pave the way for a return to democracy. They reiterated their commitment to ensuring democracy for the Venezuelan people and resolving the refugee crisis that has affected the Western Hemisphere.

Regarding recent events in Venezuela, Salazar and Wasserman Schultz condemned the Maduro regime's ban on opposition presidential candidate María Corina Machado's candidacy, citing it as a violation of the Barbados Agreement. They urged Congress to swiftly pass the legislation to enable the President to enforce critical measures to uphold the agreement.

The full text of the VERDAD Reauthorization Act can be accessed for further details.

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