Senators reacted favorably Monday to sanctions placed on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro after a “sham” election was held in the country.
“Sanctions on the president of #Venezuela are warranted. Nicolás Maduro’s oppressive rule is hurting the very people he’s supposed to serve,” Sen. James Lanford, R-Okla., said.
Sanctions on the president of #Venezuela are warranted. Nicolás Maduro’s oppressive rule is hurting the very people he’s supposed to serve.
— Sen. James Lankford (@SenatorLankford) July 31, 2017
The Treasury Department froze Maduro’s U.S. assets, banned him from traveling to the U.S. and prohibited U.S. citizens from doing business with him.
“There are consequences to violently undermining democracy & attacking peaceful protesters. Ppl of Venezuela: the U.S. stands with you,” Sen. Bob Menedez, D-N.J., said.
There are consequences to violently undermining democracy & attacking peaceful protesters. Ppl of Venezuela: the U.S. stands with you https://t.co/4MQ1TIOFRs
— Senator Bob Menendez (@SenatorMenendez) July 31, 2017
Maduro decided to hold an election on Sunday for a new legislature which has the authority to change the constitution of Venezuela. U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley said the “sham election is another step toward dictatorship.”
Sanctions on the president of #Venezuela are warranted. Nicolás Maduro’s oppressive rule is hurting the very people he’s supposed to serve.
— Sen. James Lankford (@SenatorLankford) July 31, 2017
“I commend the Treasury Department for expanding its sanctions to specifically include President Maduro,” Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said.
I commend the Treasury Department for expanding its sanctions to specifically include President Maduro. https://t.co/xoozBNChEL
— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) July 31, 2017
“Good work – the United States stands with the people of #Venezuela,” Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said.
“Today’s sanctions against Maduro’s regime are welcome news. Hopefully they lead to change & release of prisoners such as Utahn Joshua Holt,” Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, said.
Today’s sanctions against Maduro’s regime are welcome news. Hopefully they lead to change & release of prisoners such as Utahn Joshua Holt.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) July 31, 2017
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin refused to comment on future sanctions during Monday’s White House briefing
“As we continue to monitor this situation, we will continue to review all of our options. Our objective is not to do anything that hurts the people of Venezuela,” he said.
