Political Quotes

“I come to the floor today first and foremost to acknowledge the incredible bravery of the Venezuelan people. On July 28, despite the Maduro regime controlling Venezuela's entire election apparatus, despite the issuing of arrest warrants against opposition campaign aides and disqualifying opponents, despite blocking nearly all independent international observers, despite the threat of violence from men on motorbikes who attacked people at opposition rallies, Venezuelans from all walks of life went to the polls to vote. That took courage. And it took a leap of faith that they could take back their country. And had they been given the opportunity, I think it is safe to assume the nearly 8 million Venezuelans who have left the country to escape the chaos and repression in recent years, would also have voted against Maduro. Venezuelans are tired of living under this regime. They have endured a horrific economic and humanitarian crisis. They suffer through electricity blackouts. Many in Venezuela don't have access to clean water and are instead forced to use open water in the street for bathing, cooking, and drinking. One UN report found 96 percent of Venezuelans living in poverty. Government corruption is rampant, the regime has carved up the energy sector and given it to loyalists, and parts of the security forces actively participate in drug trafficking. In the face of all this, Venezuelans took a chance and went to the polls.…”