WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Colombian President Iván Duque thanking him for his work in Colombia to support freedom and democracy throughout Latin America, including welcoming Venezuelan refugees fleeing Maduro’s oppressive regime to his country.

See the full letter below.

March 8, 2019

The Honorable President Iván Duque Marquez

President of Colombia

Dear President Duque:

First, I want to thank you for all that you are doing in Colombia to support the fight for freedom and democracy in Latin America. Colombia serves as an example of what can be accomplished under a democracy that supports individual freedom and economic prosperity.

As you know, the Cuban dictatorship continues to attempt to destabilize Latin America and is responsible for propping up other ruthless dictators, like Maduro in Venezuela and Ortega in Nicaragua. Maduro’s ongoing acts of terror against his people has led to one of the worst humanitarian crises in Latin American history. Millions of Venezuelans have fled to surrounding countries seeking refuge from the oppressive regime.

I want to thank you for your support of the more than a million Venezuelan citizens who have fled Maduro’s regime for your country. We are all aware that the care of these refugees, who have been starved and tortured by Maduro, strains Colombia’s economy, healthcare system, and education system.

As you work to return these refugees to some kind of normalcy by helping them find a place to live and get back to school and work – know that the United States supports your heroic efforts.

In the United States, I am calling for immediate Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans. We have greatly increased sanctions on the Cuban regime, recognized Juan Guaidó as the legitimate leader of Venezuela, and continue to put pressure on Maduro and his cronies to step aside. No options are off the table to put an end to this regime.

I thank you again for all that you are doing to help Venezuela, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with Colombia so that all countries – in Latin America and across the globe – can enjoy the same freedom and democracy as we do in Colombia and the United States.

Sincerely,

Rick Scott

United States Senator

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