Austin News

U.S. Senators Ted Cruz, Rick Scott, and Bill Cassidy have introduced the STOP MADURO Act in Washington, D.C., aiming to increase the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Nicolás Maduro from $15 million to $100 million. This legislative move seeks accountability for Maduro's regime.

Senator Cruz expressed his support by stating, “Nicolás Maduro is a corrupt dictator and thug. The STOP MADURO Act helps badly needed efforts to hold him and his regime accountable. I’m proud to cosponsor this effort, and will continue to work with the incoming Trump administration and my colleagues in Congress on these issues.”

Senator Scott emphasized the importance of supporting Venezuela's democratic aspirations: “The Venezuelan people have made it overwhelmingly clear that President-elect Edmundo González is their rightful leader in an effort led by opposition leader María Corina Machado. They want a new day of freedom and democracy – the time of Maduro’s oppressive dictatorship is OVER." He added that his bill would utilize seized assets rather than taxpayer money for funding.

Senator Cassidy highlighted the contrast between democratic ideals and dictatorial alliances: “The people of Venezuela rightfully elected President-Elect Edmundo Gonzalez. His recognition as president is a contrast between a representative democracy and a dictatorship which aligns itself with narco-terrorists, Iran, Russia, and China."

The senators' initiative reflects U.S. support for Venezuelan democracy during its political transition.