WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott released the below statement following reports that President Joe Biden will ease sanctions against murderous dictator Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. This comes just one day after the Biden administration announced it is easing sanctions on the illegitimate communist Cuban regime, which continues to brutally oppress and murder innocent Cubans, and is unjustly jailing more than 1,300 political prisoners, some as young as 14 years old.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Joe Biden’s appeasement of brutal dictators is disgusting and undermines America’s national security and commitment to protecting democracy around the world. Nicolás Maduro is a brutal dictator who is committing genocide against his citizens and depriving them of democracy. Yet, just one day after easing sanctions on the murderous and illegitimate communist regime in Cuba, President Biden has decided to further abandon democracy in Latin America by easing sanctions on Maduro and his evil thugs while getting NOTHING in return. No commitment to democracy. No commitment to freeing political prisoners or the remaining U.S. citizens being unjustly imprisoned by Maduro's regime. It's absolutely unconscionable. The ONLY thing the Biden administration should discuss with the regime is when Maduro will step down. The United States has rightfully recognized Juan Guaidó as the legitimate President of Venezuela, and our efforts, as well as the entire international community, should be focused on ending Maduro’s regime, protecting human rights and helping the Venezuelan people achieve freedom and democracy.”

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