During a recent government meeting, a heated discussion emerged regarding the ongoing humanitarian and political crisis in Venezuela, with strong calls for action against the Maduro regime. A representative from Miami passionately condemned American and European companies profiting from Venezuelan oil, highlighting that these profits come at the expense of human rights abuses in the country. He cited alarming statistics, noting that Venezuelan oil exports have surged to nearly 1 million barrels a day, generating significant revenue for Maduro, who he described as a \"devil\" due to the nature of his regime.
The representative urged bipartisan cooperation to address the situation, proposing several measures for the Biden administration. He called for a pause on oil licenses granted to Venezuela, suggesting that the U.S. could source oil from neighboring countries instead. He also advocated for the recognition of Edmundo Gonzales as the legitimate president of Venezuela, following his reported electoral victory, and for the confiscation of assets belonging to Maduro's associates.
Furthermore, he pressed for the U.S. Department of Justice to place a bounty on Maduro and Diosado Cabello, labeling them as wanted criminals. He warned that failure to act could lead to an influx of Venezuelan refugees at the U.S. southern border, emphasizing the need to restore democracy in Venezuela to prevent further displacement.
The meeting also featured remarks from Texas Congressman Castro, who acknowledged the significance of the Venezuelan elections held on July 28, framing them as a critical opportunity for democracy in the region. The discussions underscored the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis and the role of international actors in supporting the Venezuelan people.