Duval Times

Sweetwater, Fla. - Senator Rick Scott led a rally in support of Venezuelan opposition presidential candidate María Corina Machado, organized by the Independent Venezuelan-American Citizens (IVAC) and attended by Venezuelan community leaders. The rally aimed to show solidarity with Machado and advocate for freedom and democracy in Venezuela. Senator Scott highlighted Machado's campaign efforts and the threats she is facing from the corrupt regime of dictator Nicolás Maduro.

During the rally, Senator Scott stated, "More than two million Venezuelans around the world, including many of you here today, made your voices heard and elected María Corina Machado as the official opposition candidate for the upcoming presidential elections. This is a significant moment in the Venezuelan people's fight for freedom and true representative government."

Senator Scott also expressed his concerns about the recent conditions of sanctions relief offered to the Maduro regime by the Biden administration. He wrote a letter to President Biden urging him to revise these conditions and recognize Machado as the legitimate opposition leader. The senator emphasized the importance of free and fair elections in Venezuela as a prerequisite for sanctions relief from the United States.

In addition to the letter, Senator Scott introduced a resolution on the Senate floor, calling for the immediate passage of the resolution that recognizes Machado as Venezuela's official presidential opposition candidate. The resolution, cosponsored by Senator Marco Rubio and introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart, aims to garner support for Machado and the Venezuelan people in their fight against the oppressive regime of Nicolás Maduro.

While the resolution was blocked by Senate Democrats, Senator Scott received a commitment from the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to take up the resolution in his committee, which is a critical step towards securing a vote for its approval on the Senate floor.

Senator Scott's dedication to supporting the Venezuelan opposition extends beyond the rally and the resolution. He also joined several senators in releasing a statement condemning the arrest warrants issued by the Maduro regime for members of an opposition party.

The rally led by Senator Rick Scott served as a platform to amplify the voices of the Venezuelan people and their support for María Corina Machado. It emphasized the importance of democracy and freedom in Venezuela and called for international solidarity in the face of the oppressive regime of Nicolás Maduro.

The senator's efforts, both in advocating for Machado and urging the Biden administration to reconsider sanctions relief, demonstrate his commitment to standing with the Venezuelan people until their country achieves a free and democratic future.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2023/12/sen-rick-scott-leads-rally-in-support-of-venezuelan-opposition-presidential-candidate-mar-a-corina-machado