Palmetto State News

U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Marco Rubio (R-Florida), along with U.S. Representatives Carlos Gimenez (R-Florida-28), Maria Salazar (R-Florida-27), and Jared Moskowitz (D-Florida-23), introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution this week condemning the regime of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela.

The resolution responds to various actions by Maduro's regime, including embezzling billions from the Venezuelan people through illicit gold removal from the Central Bank of Venezuela, declaring 12 percent of the country as part of an "Orinoco Mining Arc" for personal gain, and establishing the Special Action Force of the National Police (FAES) in 2017 to conduct illegal raids and extrajudicial killings.

"I hope that the United States will go on the record condemning the 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 and fair election and he is marginalizing the opposition. I urge the Biden Administration to up their game when it comes to deterring Maduro’s attempt to once again destroy the pending Venezuelan election. The Venezuelan people deserve better."

Senator Rubio added, "The criminal Maduro narco-regime will stop at nothing to maintain its illegitimate grip on power as it continues to target members of the opposition and undermine free and fair elections in Venezuela. Our partners worldwide must remain firm in their call for the release of all political prisoners who are currently being tortured by this illegitimate dictatorship."

Representative Gimenez expressed his support: "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. 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."

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

Rep. Moskowitz commented on voter fraud concerns: "The Venezuelan people are suffering under Maduro's illegitimate regime. 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."

The resolution rejects attempts by Maduro's regime to hold sham elections while consolidating power through institutional manipulation; demands free elections on July 28, 2024; denounces any intimidation or repression tactics against democratic candidates; condemns acts of corruption; encourages condemnation if fraud occurs; and calls for additional sanctions against those involved.

To read the full resolution text, click HERE.

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