Duval Times

U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Alex Padilla (D-CA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Peter Welch (D-VT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Laphonza Butler (D-CA) have joined forces to condemn the Maduro regime's harassment of the democratic opposition in Venezuela. The regime recently issued bogus arrest warrants for members of the opposition, including campaign staffers working for opposition leader María Corina Machado, who won the opposition's primary election earlier this year.

In a bipartisan statement, the senators expressed their deep concern over the Maduro regime's actions. They stated, "We are extremely concerned over recent arrest warrants issued by the Maduro regime against members of María Corina Machado's political party and coalition. This brazen act is a clear violation of the spirit of the Barbados Agreement and another indication that the Maduro regime is not following through on its commitment to free and fair elections in 2024."

The senators further highlighted the regime's refusal to release political prisoners or American hostages, the continued arrest warrants against other key opposition leaders, and the aggressive behavior towards Guyana. They noted that these actions demonstrate the regime's move towards a more brutal dictatorship rather than a return to democracy.

In response to the Maduro regime's actions, the senators called for a strong diplomatic response from the United States and its democratic partners. They urged the use of all diplomatic tools, including the imposition of select sanctions, to hold the regime accountable.

The situation in Venezuela has been a point of concern for Senator Rubio, who has been actively advocating for a tougher stance against the Maduro regime. In December 2023, he urged President Biden to reinstate sanctions on the Venezuelan regime. In November 2023, he criticized the Biden administration's policies towards Venezuela, calling for a change in approach. In October 2023, Senator Rubio, along with Senator Kaine, commented on Venezuela's opposition primary elections and expressed the need for free and fair elections in the country.

The bipartisan statement from Senator Rubio and his colleagues serves as a strong message of solidarity with the democratic opposition in Venezuela and a clear condemnation of the Maduro regime's actions. As the situation in Venezuela continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the international community will respond to the regime's ongoing harassment of the opposition and its disregard for democratic principles.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.rubio.senate.gov/rubio-colleagues-issue-statement-on-maduro-regimes-harassment-of-democratic-opposition/