Resolution Calling for End to Violence in Venezuela Passes Subcommittee
Rep. Alan Grayson Worked to Strengthen Legislation
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – A resolution calling for an end to violent crackdowns on peaceful protestors in Venezuela passed out of the House Foreign Affair’s Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere this morning. Congressman Alan Grayson (FL-09) is an original co-sponsor of the resolution, and worked with its author, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27) to strengthen the legislation before it was introduced.
H.Res. 488 condemns the violence and intimidation tactics directed at the people of Venezuela, expresses support for the peaceful protests, and urges the Organization of American States to end the violence in Venezuela, in accordance with the Inter-American Democratic Charter. Grayson’s improvements to the resolution included a statement recognizing potential violations of international law, and changing the resolution’s title to reflect the criminal nature of the violence committed against the protestors.
Grayson said he was happy to see the resolution move quickly, given the dire situation, saying, “In Venezuela, peaceful protests have been met with brute force. People are fighting for rights that Americans consider fundamental: the right to petition the government, the right to speak and organize freely, and the right to a democratic government. Innocent people, simply seeking to have their voice heard, are being intimidated, injured, or imprisoned. Venezuelans are suffering at the hands of an oppressive militarized environment, and many have been forced to make extraordinary personal sacrifices in their quest for freedom and democracy.”
“This resolution puts Venezuela’s government on notice: the violence and intimidation must end, immediately,” Grayson continued. “And for the people in Venezuela – our friends, family, and neighbors – know that you have the support of the U.S. Congress and the American people. We are watching. We care. And we will help.”
Congressman Alan Grayson represents Florida’s 9th Congressional District, which includes Osceola County, as well as parts of Orange and Polk counties. He previously served as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 8th Congressional District in the 111th Congress.