A few days ago I sent a letter to Senator Marco Rubio regarding the critical situation in Venezuela and asking him, and other senators, to take action against the Venezuelan regime. I just got his response. Thank you Senator! This is what he responded: Dear Mr. De Lamo, Thank you for taking the time to contact me to express your concerns regarding the United States policy toward Venezuela. Venezuela is a rich country with large energy resources and an educated business class. However, the authoritarian policies of former President Hugo Chavez have crippled the country and led to corruption, income inequality, poverty, and instability. The Venezuelan government has also built troubling ties with the Iranian regime in attempts to expand its intelligence network throughout our hemisphere, facilitated money laundering activities that financed state sponsors of terrorism, and provided a safe haven for FARC narco-terrorists. Since President Nicolás Maduro has been in power, we have seen the continuation of Chavezs repressive policies. In recent weeks, the Maduro government has been attacking peaceful demonstrations in Venezuela. Maduros government and regime-backed thugs are responsible for at least 21 deaths, 260 unjust incarcerations and more than 260 injured people with no end in sight. This is why I introduced with Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) Senate Resolution 365 (S. Res.365) which passed the Senate unanimously on March 12, 2014. S. Res. 365 condemns Maduros wave of repression in Venezuela and calls for sanctions on regime officials. Recently, I spoke on the Senate floor regarding the violence in Venezuela. Additionally, Sen Menendez and I introduced the Venezuela Defense of Human Rights and Civil Society Act of 2014 (S.2142). This legislation authorizes $15 million to defend human rights, support civil society organizations, strengthen good governance and rule of law. It also requires President Obama to impose sanctions on persons that have been involved in serious human rights violations against peaceful demonstrators and others in Venezuela. When brave people stand up to claim their universal rights as human beings in an effort to address their legitimate concerns about the direction of their country, they should not be met with bullets, and that is what is occurring in Venezuela. Every time that happens, our country, its citizens and our government need to be firmly on their side. As a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, I will keep your thoughts in mind as we continue to consider our nations policies toward Venezuela. I look forward to addressing the concerns of the people of Florida, and I will continue to work to ensure that the United States remains a safe and prosperous nation. Sincerely, Marco Rubio United States Senator
Posted on: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 14:17:11 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015