Lawmakers push for US sanctions on Venezuela

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. lawmakers have introduced legislation requiring President Barack Obama to start imposing sanctions on Venezuelan officials.

In the Senate, a bill from Democrats Bob Menendez and Bill Nelson and Republican Marco Rubio compels Obama to target government officials responsible for the arrest or persecution of Venezuelans exercising their free speech. It also provides $15 million in new funds to promote democracy and rule of law there.