On the recordJuly 11, 2017
Mr. Speaker, for more than 100 days, the Venezuelan people have been courageously protesting peacefully on the streets against the abusive regime of Nicolas Maduro. Since June, more than 1,400 people have been injured, over 3,600 have been detained, and over 100 people have been killed by Maduro's thugs. Just days ago, Maduro moved opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez to house arrest after more than 3 unjust years in prison. But this diversion tactic is not enough. All political prisoners must be released. Maduro's fraudulent constituent assembly must be stopped. And more names must be added to the sanctions list, especially those human rights abusers who are responsible for the violent actions against innocent civilians. This will send a strong message that the United States stands with the people in their struggle for democracy and for justice for all Venezuelans. ____________________
