Jenniffer González continues to support assistance bills, Democratic Principles for Venezuela

WASHINGTON, D. C.- The resident commissioner, Jenniffer González Colón, joined the representatives Darren Soto (D-FL) and Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL) as a co-sponsor of H.R. 549, Venezuela TPS ACT of 2019, Bipartite Law, which would grant temporary protection status (TPS) to Venezuelans that have fledged the country by the crisis caused by the dictatorship regime of Nicolás Maduro.

The Resident Commissioner reacted to the events that occurred from January 23, 2019 after the leader of the National Assembly, Juan Guaido, was announced as an interim president of Venezuela. The United States Administration as well as other countries, recognized Guaido as the legitimate leader of Venezuela.

"Public policies of the Maduro socialist regime have caused the collapse of a democracy and a humanitarian and economic crisis that has forced the exodus of more than 2.6 million Venezuelans. Through their illicit activities including drug trafficking and money laundering, Maduro has managed to maintain its finances, while the rest of the Venezuelans lack basic needs. This is why from Congress I firmly supported United States bills to provide food and medicines aimed directly to support Venezuelans and neighboring countries. I have also backed sanctions towards the signs of the regimen, of which 22 officers and 27 entities were responsible for participation in drug trafficking. This month, 7 individuals and 23 companies where sanctioned for a scheme that generated more than $ 2.4 billion in corrupt profits," said the resident commissioner.

González Colón added that "the election of Juan Guaido as an interim leader in Venezuela is the first step to return to democracy where a free, fair and transparent election can be held. The Maduro alliances with anti-democratic countries has a serious threat to our security and regional stability. That is why it is not surprising that China and Russia decided to block any significant action during the Security Council in the United Nations. When it is about tyranny, decision must be clear and I decide to support a new era of respect for freedom and rule of law for Venezuela."

The resident commissioner has been consistent with supporting the Venezuelans during this crisis; in the past Congress, it was defined legislation for those purposes:

The House Resolution 259, approved and presented today by Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis urged the Government of Venezuela to hold free, fair and open elections; to release all political prisoners, including US citizens; respect the constitutional rights of the National Assembly; and open a channel for international humanitarian assistance and medicines, among other matters.

In turn, the H.R. 2161, Body of Assistance to Venezuelan Refugees and Eldh.R. 3673 was soldopt that he was looking for pressure mechanism for the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly of that country and restore the National Assembly according to the 2015 Parliamentary elections.