North Miami-Dade News

Rep. María Elvira Salazar and Senator Marco Rubio's VERDAD Reauthorization Act, aimed at reauthorizing sanctions on the Maduro regime in Venezuela, successfully passed a markup in the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The bipartisan bill, H.R. 6831, is poised to continue supporting the democratic opposition in Venezuela and combat the oppressive dictatorship.

Rep. Salazar emphasized the importance of reauthorizing the VERDAD Act, stating, "Pressure on the Maduro regime must be restored...to keep fighting for freedom in Venezuela and an end to the dictatorship." She also highlighted the regime's fear of opposition leader María Corina Machado, who won the primary with over 90% of the vote but faces suppression from Maduro's government.

Senator Rubio echoed the urgency of the VERDAD Reauthorization Act, particularly in light of recent oppressive tactics by the Maduro regime against opposition figures like María Corina Machado. He urged the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to swiftly pass this crucial legislation to support democracy in Venezuela.

The deteriorating state of Venezuelan institutions under Maduro's rule has been closely monitored by Rep. Salazar, who chairs the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee in the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The regime's actions, including the ban on Machado and arrests of her political advisors, underscore the need for continued pressure through the VERDAD Act.

Originally passed in 2019, the VERDAD Act aims to sanction key regime officials and support efforts to restore democracy in Venezuela while protecting those fleeing persecution. The reauthorization of this act is vital to send a strong message to the Maduro regime that its actions will have consequences.

The bill's introduction by Rep. Salazar in December 2023 and the bipartisan support it has garnered signify a united front in Congress to address the crisis in Venezuela. Senators Rubio, Scott, Hagerty, and Cruz have introduced the Senate companion of the VERDAD Reauthorization Act, emphasizing the bipartisan and bicameral effort to support democracy and liberty in Venezuela.

For more information on the VERDAD Reauthorization Act and to watch Rep. Salazar's full remarks, visit the provided links.