Duval Times

On July 29, 2024, Senator Rick Scott issued a letter to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, urging them to support Venezuelans in their struggle for freedom following Nicolás Maduro's contested election. Senator Scott criticized the Biden-Harris administration's sanctions relief, which he claims has empowered Maduro.

In his letter, Scott stated: "Today is a dark day for democracy in Latin America. Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro has stolen another election from the Venezuelan people." He asserted that Edmundo González won the election and called on the U.S. administration to recognize González as president-elect immediately.

Scott urged Biden and Harris to contact González and María Corina Machado to express support for their cause. He also demanded that the administration reimpose sanctions on Maduro, citing a failed agreement that promised free elections in exchange for sanctions relief.

The senator argued: "For too long, Nicolás Maduro and his thugs have deprived the Venezuelan people of the choice for new leadership by attacking his political opponents, using violence and threats."

Senator Scott has consistently pressured the White House to advocate for democracy in Venezuela. His recent actions include calls to reimpose sanctions on Maduro ahead of elections and recognition of María Corina Machado as an official presidential opposition candidate.

###