Venezuela

Floor Speech

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Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, on one last subject, after I conclude my remarks, I will yield to my friend, colleague, and former roommate from Illinois, who will ask this body to take up and pass what I believe is a very important measure, temporary protected status for Venezuelans currently residing in the United States.

Last week, the House passed bipartisan legislation that would grant these protections--a lifeline to families who are facing a forced return to unstable and dangerous situations in their country.

Few nations, outside wartime, have endured the economic, humanitarian, and political devastation that Venezuela endures today. Hospitals and pharmacies lack basic medicines. The rate of violent crime has risen sharply, and 300,000 children are at risk of dying from malnutrition. Venezuela clearly meets the standard for temporary protected status. The situation is too dire and too dangerous for Venezuelan nationals to return to the country.

So I am glad the House has taken action to pass these temporary protections on a bipartisan basis, and the Senate should follow suit. The President could have acted on his own to help Venezuelans living in America, but he has repeatedly denied congressional requests to extend TPS relief for them during this critical time of transition from the despotic regime of Nicolas Maduro. President Trump's inaction has compelled Congress to act.

So I salute my friend, Senator Durbin, as well as Senator Menendez, our two leaders on this issue, as they ask the Senate to take up the House-passed TPS bill. I hope, earnestly, that our friends on the other side will let it go through.

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