Duval Times

Today in Washington, D.C., Senator Rick Scott held a meeting with Venezuela’s President-elect Edmundo González. The discussion focused on the United States' support for González before his inauguration as Venezuela's leader on January 10th. The meeting also addressed efforts to restore democracy in Venezuela and end Nicolás Maduro’s regime. Alongside Senator Scott were several other U.S. lawmakers, including Senators Bill Cassidy and Pete Ricketts, as well as Representatives Carlos Giménez, Mario Díaz-Balart, John Rutherford, Laurel Lee, Scott Franklin, Mike Haridopolos, and Vern Buchanan.

Senator Rick Scott stated: “I’m proud to welcome Venezuela’s President-elect, Edmundo González, to the Senate as we prepare for his rightful inauguration on January 10th. His overwhelming victory on July 28th is a clear mandate from the Venezuelan people who are demanding an end to Nicolás Maduro’s illegitimate regime and a new day of freedom and democracy. Any attempt by Maduro to illegitimately cling to power through violence or repression will NOT be tolerated by the United States or the international community. As both Governor and Senator, I have fought tirelessly to defend freedom and democracy across Latin America, and I’m honored to stand with President-elect González, opposition leader María Corina Machado, and the brave people of Venezuela. Together, we will end Maduro’s brutal dictatorship and ensure a free and prosperous future for Venezuela.”

Senator Scott is set to continue his support for Venezuelan democracy in the 119th Congress through his role on the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. He aims to pass significant legislation such as the BOLIVAR Act, which prohibits executive agencies from contracting with entities engaged in business operations with Maduro's regime. Additionally, he supports the STOP MADURO Act that seeks to increase reward amounts for information leading to Nicolás Maduro's arrest.