Duval Times

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) has called on President Joe Biden to reinstate sanctions on the Venezuelan regime led by President Nicolás Maduro. Rubio's statement comes in response to the failure of the Maduro narco-regime to meet the November 30 deadline set by the Biden administration, which demanded the release of U.S. hostages and the participation of opposition leader María Corina Machado in the upcoming general election.

During a Senate Committee on Appropriations hearing, Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that the Biden administration would "take necessary action" if the ban against Venezuela's opposition leader remained in place. Rubio, a staunch critic of Maduro's regime, expressed his disappointment in the lack of progress and urged the administration to reimpose sectoral sanctions.

"Maduro lied to the Biden administration. It is time for President Biden to reverse his failed strategy and reimpose sectoral sanctions against the criminal Maduro narco-regime until there is real movement by Maduro to release U.S. citizens and hold truly free and fair elections," Rubio stated. He further emphasized that concessions to the Venezuelan dictator have only emboldened him and his thugs.

Rubio stressed the importance of supporting free, fair, multiparty, and democratic elections in Venezuela. He highlighted the significance of the opposition's primary elections, which saw María Corina Machado emerge as the clear winner. Rubio asserted that Machado must be allowed to run for the presidency without any restrictions.

"Our nation must remain firm on the importance of the immediate and unconditional release of all U.S. hostages, political prisoners, and prisoners of conscience," Rubio added.

The Biden administration's deadline for Maduro's regime was met with disappointment as the Venezuelan dictatorship took no action on the release of U.S. hostages and made only performative steps towards organizing the general election. Rubio's call for the reinstatement of sanctions reflects the growing frustration among those who advocate for a stronger stance against the Maduro regime.

Rubio's statement aligns with his previous efforts to address the crisis in Venezuela. In October of this year, he and Senator Tim Kaine issued a joint statement regarding Venezuela's opposition primary elections. Rubio has consistently emphasized the need for democratic processes in Venezuela and has been vocal in his support for the Venezuelan people.

As the situation in Venezuela continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the Biden administration will respond to Rubio's call for action. The reinstatement of sanctions could potentially exert pressure on the Maduro regime and demonstrate a firm commitment to supporting democracy in Venezuela.

For more information on the Biden administration's policies on Venezuela, please refer to the November 2023 article titled "ICYMI: the Biden Admin Must Stop Imposing Its Naive Policies on Venezuela" and the October 2023 article titled "Rubio, Kaine On Venezuela's Opposition Primary Elections."

Click this link to access more information: https://www.rubio.senate.gov/rubio-urges-biden-to-reinstate-sanctions-on-venezuelan-regime/