Ranking Member Sires and Chairman Emeritus Ileana Ros-Lehtinen Introduce Comprehensive Legislation to Address the Crisis in Venezuela

(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Sires, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, and Chairman Emeritus Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27) made the following statement after introducing H.R. 7245, The Venezuela Humanitarian Relief, Reconstruction, and Rule of Law Act of 2018, legislation targeting the disintegration of democracy in Venezuela:

“For far too long Maduro has incrementally dismantled Venezuela’s democracy while oppressing, disenfranchising, and denying the basic needs of his own citizenry. The humanitarian crisis grows worse every day, while Maduro and his cronies continue to fortify their illegitimate and despotic regime at the people’s expense. This legislation is a crucial step in demonstrating our commitment to standing shoulder to shoulder with the Venezuelan people by putting greater pressure on the regime to restore democracy to the Venezuelan people.”

H.R. 7245 takes a comprehensive approach by authorizingdesperately needed humanitarian aid while increasing the costs of supporting the Maduro regime and holding these officials accountable. Specifically, this legislation authorizes humanitarian assistance for Venezuelans fleeing Maduro’s government and reaffirms U.S. support for the legitimately elected National Assembly. Furthermore, this bill will enhance pressure on individuals in the Venezuelan government, push forgreater accountability for crimes against humanity, and work to return assets plundered by Maduro back to the Venezuelan people.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) and Rep. Norma J. Torres (CA-35) also joined as original cosponsors.

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