Mario Díaz-Balart U.S. House of Representatives from Florida | Official U.S. House Headshot
Mario Díaz-Balart U.S. House of Representatives from Florida | Official U.S. House Headshot
Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), María Elvira Salazar (FL-27), and Carlos Giménez (FL-28) have called on the Biden-Harris Administration to condemn the Maduro regime's actions following the July 28, 2024, elections in Venezuela and to reimpose sanctions immediately.
In a letter addressed to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the representatives expressed their concerns over what they described as another "blatant and shameful power grab" by Nicolás Maduro. They urged for immediate and robust sanctions on the regime and individuals responsible for undermining Venezuela’s democratic processes.
The letter states: "We respectfully request that you roundly condemn the actions of the Maduro regime regarding the July 28, 2024 'elections' in Venezuela, and swiftly impose sweeping, robust sanctions on the regime as well as targeted sanctions on individuals responsible for subverting Venezuela’s once democratic system."
The representatives detailed how Maduro's rise to power followed Hugo Chavez’s death and was solidified through an election in 2018 that was widely criticized as neither free nor fair. Various international bodies, including the European Union, Organization of American States, Lima Group, and several countries including the United States, refused to recognize those election results.
According to Díaz-Balart, Salazar, and Giménez, similar tactics were employed during the recent 2024 elections. The main opposition candidate Maria Corina Machado was barred from running after winning a decisive primary. Her successor Corina Yoris faced similar prohibitions. The representatives also pointed out violations of the "Barbados Agreement," which had been facilitated by U.S. sanctions relief but was allegedly breached by continued harassment of opposition members.
Despite these challenges, they commended Venezuelans for their resolve: "Many stood in line for hours to demand change... However, it should surprise no one that the Maduro regime has not surrendered power willingly."
The letter concluded with a call for strong measures against those responsible for subverting democracy in Venezuela: "Until then, the only dialogue should be how to facilitate Maduro’s swift and absolute exit."
###
Alerts Sign-up