South Miami-Dade News

Miami, FL - Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez, alongside Representatives Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) and Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), has urged the Biden-Harris Administration to condemn the recent presidential elections in Venezuela as fraudulent and to reimpose sanctions on the Maduro regime.

In a letter addressed to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the representatives requested immediate action against what they describe as a subversion of Venezuela’s democratic system. The letter states: "We respectfully request that you roundly condemn the actions of the Maduro regime regarding the July 28, 2024 'elections' in Venezuela, and swiftly impose sweeping, robust sanctions on the regime as well as targeted sanctions on individuals responsible for subverting Venezuela’s once democratic system."

The congressmen highlighted that Nicolás Maduro's regime has maintained power since Hugo Chavez's death through elections deemed neither free nor fair by various international organizations. They cited widespread intimidation, repression of opposition candidates, media censorship, and other irregularities in both the 2018 and 2024 elections.

"The main opposition candidate Maria Corina Machado, who won a decisive primary, was prohibited from running," reads the letter. It also mentions that her successor Corina Yoris faced similar prohibitions. The representatives argue that agreements facilitated by the U.S., such as the October 2023 Barbados Agreement intended to ease sanctions on Venezuela’s gold and petrol industries, were violated by Maduro's continued harassment of opposition members.

Despite these challenges, Venezuelan citizens demonstrated significant resolve during the election process. "Many stood in line for hours to demand change," noted Gimenez and his colleagues. However, they assert that Maduro’s victory was predictable given his control over electoral processes.

The letter concludes with a call for stringent measures: "Accordingly, and within all applicable rules and regulations, we respectfully request that you stand with the Venezuelan people and impose tough sanctions on the Maduro regime."

Congressman Carlos Giménez represents Miami-Dade County and parts of Florida Keys. He is notable for being the only Cuban-born member of the 118th Congress. His background includes serving as Fire Chief of Miami and Mayor of Miami-Dade County. Currently, he chairs several committees including Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security.

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