Duval Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Rick Scott has joined Senator Marco Rubio and their colleagues in introducing the 2023 Reauthorization of the Defense of Human Rights and Civil Society in Venezuela Act. The purpose of this act is to ensure that the current sanctions imposed by the United States government against the narco-dictator of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, and 150 members of his criminal regime responsible for human rights abuses against the Venezuelan people, remain in place. Without action, these sanctions will expire on December 21, 2023. Senators Scott and Rubio are joined in their efforts by Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Bill Hagerty (R-TN).

Senator Rick Scott expressed his concerns about President Joe Biden's approach towards dictators like Maduro, stating, "Time and time again, we have seen President Biden appease murderous dictators like Maduro by lifting sanctions, allowing millions of dollars to fuel his dangerous regime and further destabilize the region. The people of Venezuela made their decision by backing María Corina Machado as the legitimate leader of the opposition, and now the United States must seize every opportunity to provide full support to the voice for freedom, utilizing all available sanctions to hold Maduro accountable. I am proud to join Senator Rubio in this legislation to reauthorize human rights sanctions against the Maduro regime and ensure that the United States only supports those who fight for a truly democratic and free Venezuela."

Senator Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of human rights sanctions as a crucial tool to assist the Venezuelan people who continue to suffer under Maduro's criminal regime. He stated, "We have a moral duty to ensure that this narco-regime is held accountable for its countless crimes and that the sanctions remain in place."

Senator Ted Cruz warned against appeasing the Maduro regime, stating, "Appeasement of the Maduro regime has only resulted in further aggression and violent repression. Now is exactly the wrong time to weaken US sanctions aimed at holding the regime accountable."

Senator Bill Hagerty criticized President Biden's approach to the Maduro dictatorship and his willingness to offer relief from sanctions based on mere promises of holding free and fair elections. He stated, "I am pleased to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to ensure that sanctions against this narcoterrorist regime remain in place in the absence of significant and credible concessions to restore democratic governance in Venezuela."

The proposed legislation would reauthorize the following for a period of two years:

- Visa sanctions on Venezuelan officials approving travel by Russian military officials to Venezuela.

- Prohibition on exporting assault weapons and other crowd control tools to the Venezuelan military.

- Visa blocking sanctions and asset freezing on Venezuelan officials found responsible for internationally recognized human rights violations against Venezuelan civil society members and human rights activists under the 2014 Defense of Human Rights and Civil Society in Venezuela Act.

This reauthorization bill serves as a continuation of efforts to hold the Maduro regime accountable and support the Venezuelan people in their fight for freedom and democracy.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2023/11/el-senador-rick-scott-el-senador-marco-rubio-y-sus-colegas-presentan-una-reautorizaci-n-para-preservar-las-sanciones-contra-el-r-gimen-de-maduro