Bill for democracy! – News AG

Senator Ben Cardin and Senator Tim Kaine have announced their plan to introduce the Supporting the Venezuelan Electorate's Rejection of Dictatorship and the Pursuit of Democracy (VERDAD) Act of 2024. This bill targets the regime of Nicolás Maduro, which is accused of undermining the results of the July 28 presidential election. The bill recognizes Maduro's exiled opponent Edmundo González Urrutia as the legitimate winner of the election and establishes U.S. policy of supporting a peaceful transition of power in Venezuela – particularly for González Urrutia and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. It also proposes targeted sanctions against Maduro officials involved in the repression and extends sanctions to foreign companies that support the regime.

The move comes amid ongoing protests against Maduro's refusal to relinquish power, a situation that Human Rights Watch says has had deadly consequences, leaving at least 24 people dead during recent military strikes. The Biden administration and international bodies consider González Urrutia the legitimate winner and attribute the failure to recognize this to the Maduro-controlled National Electoral Council. Senator Kaine highlighted the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis resulting from the situation, saying the U.S. cannot remain passive while the Venezuelan people endure such hardships. The European Parliament also echoed this sentiment, recognizing González Urrutia as the legitimate election winner earlier this month, bolstering international support against Maduro's regime. For more information, see the full report at www.upi.com.