Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jim Risch (R-ID), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Bill Hagerty (R-TN) have announced their intent to introduce the Venezuela Advancing Liberty, Opportunity, and Rights Act (VALOR Act) when the U.S. Senate reconvenes in September. This legislation aims to establish U.S. policy in support of a transition to democratic order in Venezuela. U.S. Representatives Maria Salazar (R-FL-27) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25) will introduce companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

“Edmundo Gonzalez won the Venezuela election by a landslide. But the Maduro regime uses the military and the police to steal the power,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Only the Venezuelan people can seize this power back, but the U.S. should do everything we can to support this effort.”

“The Maduro regime continues to violate internationally recognized human rights and threaten regional and international peace with impunity. It is past time the United States take the lead in establishing clear and resolute policies to support a credible transition to democratic order in Venezuela,” said Senator Risch. “The VALOR Act will do just that by seeking international cooperation for a peaceful transition to democracy in Venezuela and maintaining sanctions until there has been substantive and measurable progress. I’m grateful to Senator Bennet for working with me on this effort.”

“Maduro and his corrupt, illegitimate regime have wreaked havoc on Venezuela and its people. This bipartisan legislation affirms the United States’ support for the Venezuelan people’s fight to restore the rule of law and democracy in their country when they elected President-elect Edmundo González on July 28. I’ll keep working with Senator Risch and my colleagues to demonstrate that the United States of America stands with them,” said Senator Bennet.

“For years, I have urged President Biden and Vice President Harris to put the full weight of the federal government behind the Venezuelan people’s fight for democracy through free and fair elections, and at every turn, the Biden-Harris administration has chosen to stand with Maduro by easing sanctions and failing to recognize Edmundo González Urrutia as president-elect. The time is now for Maduro to leave office and allow the Venezuelan people to be free from his dictatorship. The United States must be a leader in bringing freedom and democracy to Venezuela, and the VALOR Act is a step in that direction,” said Senator Scott.

“In addition to systemically abusing the rights of the Venezuelan people, the Maduro regime supports and profits from international trafficking of illegal narcotics, attempts to weaponize mass migration at our southern border, provides safe harbor to U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organizations, and serves as a beachhead in Western Hemisphere for Russia, China, and Iran,” said Senator Hagerty. “I’m pleased to co-sponsor this important legislation that holds Maduro accountable for his disregard for human rights of Venezuelans as well as threats posed against national security interests of both United States partners within Western Hemisphere.”

“America cannot wait any longer as Maduro finalizes his theft of Venezuela’s election,” said Representative Salazar.“The United States must send message that Maduro’s time Miraflores up; Edmundo González rightful office January.No more money Chavistas repressive apparatus.”

“Venezuelans courageously took ballot box seek true legitimate representation after lost decade under Maduro,” said Representative Wasserman Schultz.“Despite violent repression overwhelming majorities repudiated chose President-elect Edmundo González brutal refuses face reality despite clear evidence proving loss.Biden-Harris Administration successfully forced hold election.Now ensure consequences attempt overturn will voters support democratic future all Venezuelans.”