Venezuelans deserve real democracy, and I’m proud that President Biden took strong action today to help deliver it. I commend President Biden’s decision to fully enforce the terms of the Barbados Agreement by snapping back sanctions on the Maduro dictatorship’s illicit oil profits. I know the people I represent appreciate the Administration’s commitment to amplify the voices of Venezuelan Americans who demand democracy.

Washington DC – U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) issued the following statement in response to the Biden Administration’s move to reinstate U.S. sanctions on the Maduro regime in Venezuela:

“Venezuelans deserve real democracy, and I’m proud that President Biden took strong action today to help deliver it. I commend President Biden’s decision to fully enforce the terms of the Barbados Agreement by snapping back sanctions on the Maduro dictatorship’s illicit oil profits. I know the people I represent appreciate the Administration’s commitment to amplify the voices of Venezuelan Americans who demand democracy.

“The need for action was clear: The regime refused to register opposition candidate María Corina Machado or her substitute, Dr. Corina Yoris, and Maduro has demonstrated his cruel neglect for his obligation to provide for a free and fair election by continuing to terrorize, harass or imprison human rights defenders, charitable organizations, and journalists. 

“These unacceptable breaches of the Barbados Agreement, a good-faith effort by the President and Venezuela’s democratic opposition, which was agreed to by Maduro and designed to make progress towards a return to democracy, have been met with a swift and forceful response. 

“As co-chair of the Congressional Venezuela Democracy Caucus, I am proud that President Biden is taking deliberate action to promote democracy and hold Maduro’s brutal regime accountable. I look forward to continuing my legislative efforts to complement the President’s policy, including the VOICE Act, which would sanction corrupt regime officials attempting to rig Venezuela’s presidential election and disenfranchise millions of Venezuelans.” 

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