Duval Times

On July 29, 2024, Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris urging their administration to express unwavering support for Venezuelans in their fight for freedom following the alleged corrupt attempt by Dictator Nicolás Maduro to retain power after Sunday's elections. Senator Scott has repeatedly criticized the Biden-Harris administration's sanctions relief, which he claims has benefited Maduro's regime in exchange for a false promise of free and fair elections. Given that the agreement was not honored, Senator Scott demands that the Biden-Harris administration acknowledge its mistakes and immediately reimpose sanctions on Maduro and his associates.

The full letter is available in English or Spanish.

"Dear President Biden and Vice President Harris,

Today is a dark day for democracy in Latin America. The Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro has stolen another election from the Venezuelan people, once again rejecting their calls for freedom and democracy. We know that Edmundo González won this election, and if the United States is going to lead the world in supporting democracy in Venezuela, he must be immediately recognized as President-elect by your administration. I urge both of you to call him today along with María Corina Machado to express your support for their cause and the fight for freedom they represent. I also urge you to make it clear that they should not be unjustly attacked or imprisoned by Maduro's regime following his corrupt attempt to maintain power.

For too long, Nicolás Maduro and his cronies have deprived the Venezuelan people of new leadership options by attacking political opponents, using violence and threats in a desperate attempt to hold onto power over a populace that despises him. I believe your administration strengthened his grip when it unwisely provided exactly what he needed—sanctions relief—in exchange for a promise of fair elections, something we all knew he would never honor. It is time to recognize that your deal with a dictator was disastrous and immediately reimpose sanctions on Maduro and his cronies.

The United States must show strength and unwavering determination for democracy in Venezuela in the face of another assault on its people's freedom. I urge you to act today to demonstrate this resolve and set an example for freedom-loving nations around the world.

Sincerely,

Rick Scott"

Since first announcing the failed agreement between the Biden-Harris administration and Maduro, Senator Scott has consistently pressured the White House to defend freedom and democracy in Venezuela. Below are some of Senator Scott's actions:

- Sen. Rick Scott Calls on Biden-Harris Admin to Reimpose Sanctions on Maduro Ahead of Venezuelan Elections

- Sen. Rick Scott: Reported Biden-Maduro Deal Disastrous for Freedom & Democracy in Venezuela

- Sen. Rick Scott to POTUS: Recognize María Corina Machado, Don't Trust Maduro to Uphold His Election Agreement

- Sen. Rick Scott, Sen. Marco Rubio & Colleagues Introduce Reauthorization to Preserve Sanctions Against Maduro Regime

- Sen. Rick Scott Calls for Passage of Resolution Recognizing María Corina Machado as Venezuela’s Official Presidential Opposition Candidate

- Sen. Rick Scott Leads Rally in Support of Venezuelan Opposition Presidential Candidate María Corina Machado

- Sens. Rick Scott, Marco Rubio & Colleagues: The Time to Act on Venezuela is NOW

- Sen. Rick Scott, Marco Rubio & Colleagues Urge Biden: Designate Tren de Aragua as a Transnational Criminal Organization

- Sen. Rick Scott Demands President Biden Reimpose Sanctions Against the Maduro Regime

- As Biden Moves to Shut Down NPR-Alaska, Sens. Rick Scott, Dan Sullivan & Colleagues Warn Biden Not To Renew Oil Sanctions Relief For Venezuela’s Dictatorship

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