Press Releases

Sen. Rick Scott Speaks with María Corina Machado, Urges Biden-Harris Administration to Recognize Edmundo González as President-Elect of Venezuela at OAS Meeting

July 30, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, ahead of tomorrow’s Organization of American States (OAS) meeting regarding the results of the 2024 Venezuelan Presidential election, Senator Rick Scott spoke with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado and issued the following statement demanding the Biden-Harris administration recognize Edmundo González as the legitimate president-elect of Venezuela. The current situation in Venezuela is a clear result of the Biden-Harris administration's failed appeasement policies toward Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro. Since the Biden-Harris administration's failed deal with Maduro was first announced, Senator Scott has put pressure on the White House to stand up for freedom and democracy in Venezuela, unfortunately, the administration has failed the United States and the people of Venezuela. Since Sunday’s elections, Senator Scott has contacted the White House repeatedly to schedule a call with President Biden, and today again called the White House and urged action to support the Venezuelan people.

 

Senator Rick Scott said, “I just spoke to María Corina Machado to offer my full support for her and Edmundo González’s fight for freedom and democracy in Venezuela. At tomorrow’s OAS special meeting to address the results of the Venezuelan presidential election, the Biden-Harris administration must do the right thing and join other freedom-loving countries in recognizing Edmundo González as the legitimate President-elect of Venezuela. Since the Biden-Harris failed deal with dictator Nicolas Maduro, the regime has grown in strength and our Western Hemisphere has become more dangerous. U.S. adversaries like Russia, China, Cuba, and Iran are active in Venezuela at the dictator’s invitation. Maduro’s massive fraud is a clear result of the Biden-Harris failed appeasement that has emboldened Maduro, who has just issued an arrest warrant for María Corina Machado, Edmundo González, and other opposition leaders. It’s clear Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro has stolen another election from the Venezuelan people, again rejecting their calls for freedom and democracy. We know that Edmundo González won this election and if the United States is going to lead the world in supporting democracy in Venezuela, he must be immediately recognized as president-elect by the Biden-Harris administration.”

 

Since the Biden-Harris administration's failed deal with Maduro was first announced, Senator Scott has put pressure on the White House to stand up for freedom and democracy in Venezuela. See the Senator’s actions below:

 

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