English & Español: Rubio Commends the Trump Administration's Commitment to Human Rights and Democracy in Latin America

Press Release

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Chairman of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women's Issues, today released a statement after National Security Advisor John Bolton delivered a speech in Miami's historic Freedom Tower condemning human rights abusers, including the regimes in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua.

Earlier today, President Trump signed an Executive Order authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to sanction persons operating in the Venezuelan gold sector--which has become notorious for corruption and confiscatory practices--or engaging in certain corrupt or deceptive transactions.

"I applaud the Trump Administration for once again supporting the freedom-loving people of Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. No administration has taken stronger measures to defend democracy and target tyranny in Latin America than this one," Rubio said. "As the Cuban regime continues to export its communist agenda throughout Latin America, the United States and our allies must keep prioritizing freedom and human rights in the Western Hemisphere. Today's speech by Ambassador Bolton on the "Troika of Tyranny' should make it clear to everyone that the Administration isn't done yet."

Timeline of Rubio's 2018 Actions in Support of the People of Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua:

CUBA

Yesterday, Rubio and U.S. Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart urged the Administration to condemn the Cuban regime's human rights abuses ahead of UN meeting on Cuba sanctions.
On June 28, 2018, the Senate adopted Rubio's amendment to keep U.S. taxpayer dollars out of the Cuban regime's Pocket.
On June 21, 2018, Rubio secured key funding to promote human rights, democracy, and development assistance around the world.
On May 22, 2018, Rubio and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart called for the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to consider indicting Raúl Castro for murder of American citizens.
On May 16, 2018, Rubio and colleagues introduced a resolution honoring Cuba's Ladies in White for winning the 2018 Milton Friedman Prize for Advancing Liberty.
On May 8, 2018, Rubio condemned the Cuba regime's sham election.
On March 19, 2018, Rubio and U.S. Congressman Ron DeSantis urged President Trump to denounce Castro successor.

VENEZUELA
On September 28, 2018, Rubio led colleagues in urging Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to designate Venezuela's Maduro regime as a State Sponsor of Terrorism.
On September 25, 2018, Rubio and colleagues introduced comprehensive legislation to address the humanitarian crisis and collapse of governance in Venezuela.
On September 25, 2018, Rubio applauded new sanctions against members of Maduro's inner circle.
On July 13, 2018, Rubio urged Secretary Pompeo to raise the manmade disaster created by the Maduro regime with Mexican counterparts.
On July 6, 2018, Rubio applauded the Organization of American States (OAS) vote to suspend Venezuela's undemocratic Maduro regime.
On May 21, 2018, Rubio applauded new sanctions against Maduro regime.
On May 20, 2018, Rubio condemned the Maduro regime's sham election.
On April 19, 2018, Rubio outlined the path to democracy in Venezuela.
On March 21, 2018, Rubio announced Facebook page for Venezuelan community.
On January 25, 2018, Rubio and colleagues called on U.S. to increase international pressure on Maduro regime.
On January 24, 2018, Rubio and U.S. Senator Bob Menendez urged Attorney General Jeff Sessions to investigate drug trafficking, illicit activities by Maduro and cronies.
On January 23, 2018, Rubio urged President Trump to impose sanctions on Venezuelan regime human rights violator Diosdado Cabello.
On January 19, 2018, Rubio and U.S. Senator Bob Menendez warned the Trump Administration on Venezuelan regime's 'petro' cryptocurrency plans.
On January 5, 2018, Rubio applauded Treasury Department sanctions on four more corrupt Maduro cronies.

NICARAGUA
On August 24, 2018, Rubio and colleagues urged President Trump to hold Nicaraguan nationals accountable under Global Magnitsky Act.
On August 22, 2018, Rubio introduced measures to address growing instability in Venezuela and Nicaragua.
On July 14, 2018, Rubio condemned attacks by paramilitary forces in Nicaragua.
On June 6, 2018, Rubio and colleagues urged President Trump to investigate two Nicaraguan Nationals under Global Magnitsky Act.
On April 23, 2018, Rubio condemned the Ortega regime's violent crackdown on civilian protests in Nicaragua.

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