Wasserman Schultz Reintroduces Bill to 'Hold Maduro Accountable'

As co-chair of the Congressional Venezuela Democracy Caucus, Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) has brought together both sides of the aisle to reintroduce the bipartisan, bicameral Assuring that the Fact-Finding Examination Continues to Track Human Rights in Venezuela (AFFECT) Act.

This bill is dedicated to organizing “multilateral efforts to hold the Maduro regime accountable.” It also aims to address Venezuela’s economic and political hardships and support the Venezuelan people in their suffering.

Major Congressional leaders in both chambers have joined the effort including Representatives Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Joaquin Castro (D-TX), and Michael Waltz (R-FL).

Rep. Wasserman Schultz mentioned that the United States cannot “solve this problem alone.”

“Venezuelans have endured a decade of suffering under Nicolás Maduro, whose assault on democracy and human rights have precipitated a refugee crisis second only to Ukraine in the 21st century,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “The U.S. can’t solve this problem alone. But it’s imperative that we coordinate with international partners to improve conditions on the ground and advocate for the release of political prisoners while ensuring accountability to lay the groundwork for a future democratic transition.”

The bill attempts to support the Venezuelan people and democracy by extending the United Nations (UN) Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) investigation until “rule of law is restored” and humanitarian assistance is openly delivered. Moreover, it also looks to ensure that the multilateral humanitarian assistance is “delivered directly to Venezuelans,” and that a free press is allowed to flourish.

Rep. Salazar states that we must make sure that “the international community knows the truth” about the Maduro regime.

“My Venezuelan constituents in Miami know the abuses the Maduro regime carries out against the people it claims to represent,” said Rep. Salazar. “We must ensure the international community knows the truth about the failure of socialism of the 21st century, to help the Venezuelan people restore freedom and democracy in their home country and to prevent it from ever happening again.”

Former Green Beret and Pentagon policy advisor Rep. Waltz mentioned that Maduro has destabilized the region and that freedom in the South American country should be restored.

“For a decade, Nicolas Maduro has used his corrupt regime to carry out human rights abuses against the Venezuelan people and destabilize the region,” said Rep. Waltz. “We must continue to urge the international community to condemn Maduro’s actions and support freedom in Venezuela.”

Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Bill Hagerty (R-TN) joined the effort with companion legislation as well.