On the recordJuly 23, 2019
I strongly support H.R. 549, the Venezuela TPS Act. The situation in Venezuela is dire. It is outrageous, Madam Speaker, that some in this Chamber would blame the horrific situation in Venezuela on the people of Venezuela. It is the Maduro regime that is committing horrific human rights abuses. People are being killed and tortured. The media has been censored. Opponents of the regime have been imprisoned. The economy is failing. Food is scarce. Essential medicines cannot be found. The mass corruption and poverty have forced more than 4 million people to flee the country for their lives. I have witnessed desperate Venezuelans crossing the border into Colombia in need of food. I spoke with families who traveled hours and hours to Cucuta for one meal for their children. I saw warehouses filled with food and humanitarian assistance that Maduro refuses to allow in to help his people. The dreadful living conditions, extreme violence, and persecution warrant extending TPS to Venezuelans living in the United States. We must stand with the Venezuelan people, the legitimate government of President Juan Guaido, and the return of freedom and democracy. For right now, passing this bill will ensure Venezuelans in the U.S. are protected from being deported to life-threatening conditions. Madam Speaker, this bill will save lives. I urge my colleagues to support it.
