Press Releases

WASHINGTON — Speaker Johnson released the following statement after he joined Representatives Franklin, Salazar, Diaz-Balart, and Gimenez in a meeting yesterday with Venezuela’s President-elect, Edmundo González Urrutia.

“It was an honor to meet with the only legitimate leader of Venezuela, Edmundo González. We had a productive conversation about the need to restore Venezuela’s democratic voice, and the threat the illegitimate Maduro regime poses to the region and all those seeking freedom.

“Maduro props up criminal drug cartels, provides oil and outposts to adversaries in Iran, China, and Russia, and has partnered with terrorist groups like Hezbollah. Joe Biden’s four-year-long policy of placating the socialist dictatorship in Caracas has only hurt the United States’ security interests and undermined regional democracy.”

“The United States must return to a maximum-pressure campaign that leaves no recourse but for power to be returned to the Venezuelan people and its legitimate leaders, such as Edmundo González and María Machado. 

“I am eager to begin working with the incoming Trump Administration to confront all those who terrorize and intimidate the people of Venezuela, and ensure Congress is ready to support democracy in Venezuela and uphold America’s interests in the region.”

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