WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott urged Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to lead a delegation of EU nations to the Venezuelan border to see the humanitarian crisis firsthand. Senator Scott is calling on all EU countries to stand with the United States in the fight for freedom, and to impose significant sanctions on Venezuela and the Maduro Regime.

Read the full letter HERE or below.

June 28, 2019

The Honorable Mike Pompeo
Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20520

Dear Mr. Secretary:

Thank you for all you are doing to support the fight for freedom in Venezuela. The United States must continue to do everything in our power to end Nicolas Maduro’s murderous regime and support those working to bring a new day of freedom to Venezuela and all of Latin America.

I recently visited Spain to meet with officials and discuss how our countries can continue to work together to support the Venezuelan people. I’m thankful that Spain and other European nations have recognized Juan Guaidó as the legitimate President of Venezuela. This is a very important step, but we have to do more.

The United States has sanctioned over 100 persons and business entities in Venezuela in an effort to cut off funds to the Maduro regime. The European Union has also sanctioned individuals and businesses, but not nearly enough. These are the same European countries that continue to support and do business with the Cuban regime – the most powerful force propping up Maduro. Supporting Juan Guaidó, yet continuing to strengthen a relationship with the Cuban regime, is unacceptable.

I am writing to urge the State Department to lead a delegation of European diplomats to the Colombian-Venezuelan border so they can see the crisis firsthand. I travelled to Cúcuta recently to visit the border and what I saw there was absolutely devastating. I left Cúcuta heartbroken, but determined, and it is my hope that these diplomats will have the same experience.

Our partners in Europe must do more. We cannot allow this crisis to continue. We cannot allow Maduro to carry on his genocide of young children unquestioned and unchallenged and most importantly, we cannot allow Venezuela to turn into Syria. We need our allies to be partners in this fight. All European nations must join us to take a strong stand against Maduro, and against Cuba. Seeing the crisis firsthand is one way to make a real impact.

Thank you for your support and determination in this fight. The United States stands with the people of Venezuela in their fight for freedom.  

Sincerely,

Rick Scott

United States Senator

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