Venezuelan Human Rights and Democracy Protection Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to oppose H.R. 4587, the Venezuelan Human Rights and Democracy Protection Act. And while I am deeply troubled by the violence that erupted in Venezuela at the onset of protests months ago, and I join all of the people of Venezuela in mourning the loss of many lives, I also join all the people of Venezuela in the desire to see peaceful protests and a peaceful outcome, and that violence by anyone and everyone cease. I remain committed to doing everything in my power to support a positive outcome in that nation. But I believe vehemently that unilateral action by the United States is not the answer, and that is why this bill is not the right step to take.

I know that there are high emotions on all sides of this issue, and I understand why, but the House should not act emotionally, it should act judiciously. This bill does not advance U.S. interests, it will not help the people of Venezuela, and it sends the message to our regional allies that we don't care much about what they think. And these are allies, these are friends. Moreover, the Obama administration has the authority to do what this bill calls for right now, and the administration has shown its willingness to use its authority.

So what, then, is our objective? Is it intended to push Venezuela to the brink? What would that do for the Venezuelan people and the region? Now, I have spoken to all of our major allies in the region, and I have yet to hear any support by them for sanctions, but there is strong support for multilateral engagement. Our allies do not want to see the situation in Venezuela worsen.

The unilateral sanctions bill we are considering today is misguided in that it is an unfortunate reminder of the history of U.S. arrogance in the Western Hemisphere. We have a legacy in the Americas that is riddled with long-lasting consequences. That legacy has left us with a trust deficit. Today, we are considering a bill that does nothing to build that trust. Our standing in our own hemisphere will never improve unless or until we build that trust.

While we pursue these sanctions, our allies are actively supporting dialogue. Members of this very body have made it a point to denounce and even condemn some regional organizations. Yet, one of those organizations, along with the Vatican, has managed to be the facilitator of engagement between some of the opposition and some in the Government of Venezuela. UNASUR, in its mediation efforts, continues to urge dialogue between all parties, and it is my sincere hope that dialogue can be successful.

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It is my sincere hope that dialogue can be successful, but in moments like this, I hope that we understand that unilateral sanctions would be another policy mistake--a costly mistake that we can and should avoid.

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