North Miami-Dade News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) joined Reps. Carlos A. Giménez (R-FL) and Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), along with U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Marco Rubio (R-FL), to introduce a bipartisan, bicameral resolution condemning the Nicolas Maduro regime’s attempts to influence elections in Venezuela.

“As the Maduro regime does everything in its power to steal the presidential election from María Corina Machado and Edmundo González, we in the United States Congress stand strong against his tyranny,” said Rep. Salazar. “I am proud to support this resolution that denounces how Maduro is trying to lie, cheat and steal his way to staying in power. I pray the Venezuelans retake Miraflores in July.”

The resolution:

- Rejects the attempt by the Maduro regime to influence upcoming elections;

- Denounces any attempt by the illegitimate Maduro regime to intimidate Venezuelan people and democratic candidates through violence;

- Condemns the Maduro regime for acts of corruption, desecrating rule of law, and engaging in anti-democratic activities;

- Encourages additional sanctions on Maduro and co-conspirators to prevent them from profiting through illegal activities.

“I’m proud to join my colleagues Senators Graham (R-SC) and Rubio (R-FL) and Representatives Salazar (R-FL) and Moskowitz (D-FL) in introducing this resolution to support the democratic opposition in Venezuela and their fight for freedom,” said Rep. Giménez. “The illegitimate Maduro regime has threatened, intimidated, and silenced its people. With their national elections just a month away, we must condemn their blatant attack on democracy. The Venezuelan people are determined to live in a free Venezuela, and the U.S. must help them in their fight for freedom.”

“The Venezuelan people are suffering under Maduro's illegitimate regime," said Rep. Moskowitz. "If there is overwhelming evidence of fraud in Venezuela's upcoming election, the Biden Administration must condemn and hold Maduro accountable. This regime cannot weaponize institutions to hold sham elections and take away basic rights from the people of Venezuela."

“I hope that the United States will go on record condemning efforts by Maduro to undercut a free and fair election yet again in Venezuela,” said Senator Graham. “He has taken actions inconsistent with a free election while marginalizing opposition voices. I urge the Biden Administration to deter Maduro’s attempt at undermining Venezuelan democracy once more."

“The criminal Maduro narco-regime will stop at nothing to maintain its illegitimate grip on power as it continues targeting members of opposition while undermining free elections,” said Senator Rubio. “Our partners worldwide must remain firm calling for release of all political prisoners currently being tortured by this dictatorship.”

To read full resolution text, click HERE.

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