Democratic lawmakers, including Reps. Joaquin Castro, Gregory Meeks, Jim McGovern, and Barbara Lee, are urging President Biden to lift sanctions on Venezuela, despite its oppressive regime led by dictator Nicolas Maduro. In a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, they argue that lifting sanctions will empower the Venezuelan people. However, Maduro’s human rights violations and suppression of opposition are disregarded. The lawmakers also request the release of a frozen billion-dollar fund for Venezuelans but fail to address concerns of potential fund misuse by the corrupt regime. Calls to reopen embassies and consulates in Venezuela serve to legitimize Maduro’s rule, contradicting American values that champion democracy and freedom. Contemplating sanctions relief, we must remain skeptical as the future of Venezuelan democracy hangs in the balance.
