Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, along with several other Republican senators, has cosponsored the Venezuelan Democracy Act, a bill that aims to maintain sanctions on Venezuela until free and fair elections are held in the country. The bill also seeks to oppose human rights violations and support the establishment of a democratic government in Venezuela.

In a statement, Senator Cassidy emphasized the importance of allowing the Venezuelan people to choose their own leaders. He said, "Dictators do not get to pick who their opponents are. The people do. The Venezuelan people deserve free and fair elections and an opportunity to oust a regime that has oppressed them for decades. We stand with María Corina Machado."

Senator Jim Risch, one of the original sponsors of the bill, expressed his concerns about the Biden Administration's approach towards Venezuela. He believes that any change in U.S. policy towards the country should be contingent on a transfer of power from the Maduro regime to a democratically elected government. He stated, "This legislation will ensure any removal of U.S. sanctions on the Maduro regime must be preceded by a standards-based transition to democratic order."

The Venezuelan Democracy Act includes several provisions to address the situation in Venezuela. It opposes human rights violations and maintains current sanctions on Venezuela until a transition to democracy occurs. It also requires the United States to block membership of any non-democratic government of Venezuela at international organizations such as the Organization of American States, Inter-American Development Bank, and International Monetary Fund.

The bill reaffirms that U.S. humanitarian aid to Venezuela shall not be restricted, except in cases where there is a risk that such aid could be used for illicit activities. It also blocks U.S. foreign assistance to any country providing assistance to the Maduro regime or any non-democratic successor.

Additionally, the bill requests an assessment on whether the Maduro regime meets the criteria to be designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization or a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. It establishes U.S. policy towards a transition government and a democratic government in Venezuela, including support for self-determination, technical assistance, inclusion in international organizations, and beneficial trade relations.

The Venezuelan Democracy Act also requires regular reports on specific licenses granted to individuals engaging with sanctioned persons, as well as a report on foreign persons doing business with sanctioned individuals in Venezuela.

The cosponsorship of Senator Cassidy and his colleagues highlights the bipartisan support for maintaining pressure on the Maduro regime in Venezuela. The bill aims to promote democracy, human rights, and a better future for the Venezuelan people.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-cosponsors-bill-to-keep-sanctions-on-venezuela-until-free-elections-are-held