Sen. Cruz, Colleagues Applaud Committee’s Unanimous Passage of Bipartisan Venezuela Resolution

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Dick Durbin (D-Il.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Ben Cardin (D-Md.) today applauded the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's unanimous approval of a bipartisan resolution (S.Res.44), which condemns last year's fraudulent legislative elections by the Maduro regime. The bipartisan resolution also denounces the lack of free, fair, and transparent elections in Venezuela, as well as the continued erosion of the nation's democracy and the rule of law.

Following unanimous approval of this resolution, Sen. Cruz said:

"The illegitimate Maduro regime continues to undermine Venezuelan democracy and deny the people of Venezuela core political freedoms. The recent elections were a sham. I'm proud to join this bipartisan effort denouncing the regime."

Sen. Rubio said:

"On various occasions, the Maduro narco-regime has attempted to silence the voices of the duly-elected members of the National Assembly. Today, the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations is sending an important message of support to Venezuela's only democratic institution and to Interim-President Juan Guaidó. The Biden Administration must continue to advance U.S. policy that promotes Venezuela's path to freedom and a return to democratic order following the regime's latest sham legislative elections."

Sen. Menendez said:

"I am proud to be joined by my colleagues in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in approving this important resolution to make clear there is absolutely no legitimacy to the Maduro regime's fraudulent and illegitimate legislative elections. The continued manipulation of electoral processes and denial of free and fair elections has further violated Venezuelans' basic rights while the country's future hangs in the balance. Today, we speak with one voice in our Committee rejecting Maduro's sham elections and reaffirming our steadfast solidarity with the Venezuelan people, who have suffered for far too long."

Sen. Durbin added:

"The Maduro regime continues to scheme at ways to undermine the legitimacy of the democratically elected Venezuelan National Assembly. This resolution rightly recognizes the only way forward in Venezuela is through a legitimate, free, and fair election that meets international standards. I am pleased this resolution rejecting the most recent sham elections in Venezuela passed out of Committee on a bipartisan vote and will advocate for its quick passage in the Senate."

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