U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

WASHINGTON : 

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office

Internet: bookstore.gpo.gov Phone: toll free (866) 512–1800; DC area (202) 512–1800

Fax: (202) 512–2104 Mail: Stop IDCC, Washington, DC 20402–0001

86–872PDF 2014

SUPPORTING THE PEOPLE OF VENEZUELA AS

THEY PROTEST PEACEFULLY FOR DEMOCRATIC

CHANGE AND CALLING TO END THE VIOLENCE

MARKUP

BEFORE THE

SUBCOMMITTEE ON 

THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE

OF THE

COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

ONE HUNDRED THIRTEENTH CONGRESS

SECOND SESSION

ON

H. Res. 488

FEBRUARY 28, 2014

Serial No. 113–124

Printed for the use of the Committee on Foreign Affairs

(

Available via the World Wide Web: http://www.foreignaffairs.house.gov/ or

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/

(II)

COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS 

EDWARD R. ROYCE, California, Chairman 

CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH, New Jersey 

ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN, Florida 

DANA ROHRABACHER, California 

STEVE CHABOT, Ohio 

JOE WILSON, South Carolina 

MICHAEL T. MCCAUL, Texas 

TED POE, Texas 

MATT SALMON, Arizona 

TOM MARINO, Pennsylvania 

JEFF DUNCAN, South Carolina 

ADAM KINZINGER, Illinois 

MO BROOKS, Alabama 

TOM COTTON, Arkansas 

PAUL COOK, California 

GEORGE HOLDING, North Carolina 

RANDY K. WEBER SR., Texas 

SCOTT PERRY, Pennsylvania 

STEVE STOCKMAN, Texas 

RON DESANTIS, Florida 

DOUG COLLINS, Georgia 

MARK MEADOWS, North Carolina 

TED S. YOHO, Florida 

LUKE MESSER, Indiana 

ELIOT L. ENGEL, New York 

ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA, American 

Samoa 

BRAD SHERMAN, California 

GREGORY W. MEEKS, New York 

ALBIO SIRES, New Jersey 

GERALD E. CONNOLLY, Virginia 

THEODORE E. DEUTCH, Florida 

BRIAN HIGGINS, New York 

KAREN BASS, California 

WILLIAM KEATING, Massachusetts 

DAVID CICILLINE, Rhode Island 

ALAN GRAYSON, Florida 

JUAN VARGAS, California 

BRADLEY S. SCHNEIDER, Illinois 

JOSEPH P. KENNEDY III, Massachusetts 

AMI BERA, California 

ALAN S. LOWENTHAL, California 

GRACE MENG, New York 

LOIS FRANKEL, Florida 

TULSI GABBARD, Hawaii 

JOAQUIN CASTRO, Texas

AMY PORTER, Chief of Staff THOMAS SHEEHY, Staff Director

JASON STEINBAUM, Democratic Staff Director 

SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE

MATT SALMON, Arizona, Chairman 

CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH, New Jersey 

ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN, Florida 

MICHAEL T. MCCAUL, Texas 

JEFF DUNCAN, South Carolina 

RON DESANTIS, Florida 

ALBIO SIRES, New Jersey 

GREGORY W. MEEKS, New York 

ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA, American 

Samoa 

THEODORE E. DEUTCH, Florida 

ALAN GRAYSON, Florida 

(III)

C O N T E N T S 

Page

MARKUP OF 

H. Res. 488, Supporting the people of Venezuela as they protest peacefully 

for democratic change and calling to end the violence ...................................... 2

Amendment in the nature of a substitute to H. Res. 488 offered by the 

Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen ....................................................................... 7

Amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to H. Res. 

488 offered by the Honorable Matt Salmon, a Representative in Congress 

from the State of Arizona, and chairman, Subcommittee on the Western 

Hemisphere ....................................................................................................... 12

LETTERS, STATEMENTS, ETC., SUBMITTED FOR THE RECORD 

APPENDIX 

Markup notice .......................................................................................................... 20

Markup minutes ...................................................................................................... 21

Markup summary .................................................................................................... 22

The Honorable Alan Grayson, a Representative in Congress from the State 

of Florida: Prepared statement ........................................................................... 23

(1)

SUPPORTING THE PEOPLE OF VENEZUELA AS 

THEY PROTEST PEACEFULLY FOR 

DEMOCRATIC CHANGE AND CALLING 

TO END THE VIOLENCE 

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE,

COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS,

Washington, DC. 

The subcommittee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:06 a.m., in room 

2172, Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Matt Salmon (chairman of the subcommittee) presiding. 

Mr. SALMON. The subcommittee will come to order. Pursuant to 

notice for purposes of markup, I call up H. Res. 488, a resolution 

supporting the people of Venezuela as they protest peacefully for 

democratic change and calling to end the violence. Without objection, the measure is consider read and open for amendment at any 

point. 

Before recognizing myself and other members for statements, I 

am going to call up Ros-Lehtinen 39, the bipartisan amendment in 

the nature of a substitute, and ask unanimous consent that it be 

considered en bloc with the brief Salmon amendment that the 

members have before them. 

Without objection, the amendment en bloc is considered read and 

open for amendment at any point. 

[The information referred to follows:]

2


86872a-1.eps

IBm CONGHESS 

2n SRSSTOK H. RES. 488 

IV 

Supporting tlw people of Vene7.uela as tlwy protest peaeerully ror democmtic 

change and calling to end the violence. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIV"'ES 

WRREUARY 25,2014 

]VIR. Hos-LEIITIKEN (for herself, Mr. SALMON, Mr. DL",Z-ILlliART, Ms. 

WA!:'!:'ERl'IIAN SCHULTZ, Mr. SIRE!:', Mr. GARCIA, Mr. DESAKl'B, )/11'. 

GEAYRON, lVlr. IVlcCAr~" :VIr DRT;T'CH, Ms. Wn,RO'J or ~'lorida, Mr. 

SIURPHY of Florida, Mr. YOHO, Mr. STOCKiiL"....,\, Mr. DC\fCAN of Sonth 

Carolina, and Mr. KIKZIKGER of lllinois) submitted tho following l'osoluticlll; Wllirll was referred to tl18 Commit.tee on ~'oreign Affairs 

RESOLUTION 

Supporting the people of Venezuela as they protest peaeefully 

for derno('ratie dmnge and (mlling to end the ·violenee. 

\Vhereas the United States Government should support. the 

free and peaeeful excl'eise of representative demoeraey ill 

Venezuela, condemning v'iolenee and intimidation against 

the eountry'::; politieal opposition, and e.alling· for dialogue 

between all politieal aetors in tlw eountrYi 

\\11ereas, 011 February 12, 2014, also known in VenelluE'la as 

the National Youth Day, students began protesting 111 

several eities against allti-demoeratie deeisions and the 

erippling economy made by Venezuelan leader Nicolas 

lVIaduro: 
3


86872a-2.eps

2 

\\11erea~, on February 12, 2014, a judge is~ued an arrest 

warrant for IJC>opoldo IJ6pc~, lcadcr of thc opposition 

party Voluutad Popular, for baseless and uufoullded allegatio1ls in conllcction with thc studcnt protcsts; 

\'Vhe1'eas, on February 17, 2014, the Government of Venezuela notified the United States Department of State 

that it had declared :3 consular officers at the United 

States l~mbassy in Vene~uela personae 110n gTatae; 

\Vhereas over the last year, the (Jovernmel1t of Venezuela has 

expelled a total of 1') United States (Jovernment officials 

from Venezuela; 

\Vherea~. on February 18, 2014, opposition leader Leopoldo 

l,opez turned himself in to Venezuelan authorities, was 

arre::;ted, and eliarged ~;yith (,riminal ineitement, eonspll'acy, arson, and intcnt to damagc propcrty; 

\Vhereat-; Leopolclo Lopez i::; (mrrently being held in a prmon 

at a militar.\T faeility; 

\\11ereas according to Amnesty Iuternational, "The charges 

brought against VCllC;;mClall opposition leadcr TJcopoldo 

L6pez smal'1\: of a politil'ally motivated attempt to silence 

disscnt in thc country"; 

v\11ereas the Veneiluelatl Government has bloeked users' OHlinI' images as opposition groups marehed through Ca1'3-

cas~ 

Vvnereas the Venezuelan people have been protesting economic, social, and politieal eoncerllS facing' t.heir country, 

including corruption, rising int1ation rates, unemployment, shortages of everyday products, increasing' crime 

rates, and the erosion of human rights and respect for 

political dissed; 
4


86872a-3.eps

:3 

1'11erem;. on February 19, ~014, Pre:,;iuent Barach: Obama 

critici~ed the Velle~llclan Government for arresting protesters, called for their release, and urged the government 

to focus on the "legitimate grievances of thc Vene~uelml 

people"; 

Vv11ereas, as of Pehruary 20, 2014, there have heen 1:) people 

killed, over 100 il~jured, and many per'sons uqjustly detained due to pro-democracy demonstrations throughout 

Vetlez-uela; 

\Vhereas Veneznelan leader Nicolas IVladuro threatened to 

expel the Uuited States news uetwork CNN from Venezuela ami has taken off the air the Colombian news 

channel NTN 24, which transmits in Venezuela. after 

news outlets reporte(1 on the nation-vyide protests; 

"11ereas the Intcr-l1mcricall Commission on Human Rights 

released a statement on l1'ebrnary 1"1, 201 Ll, which "expresses its concerTI over the serious incidents of violence 

that have taken phwe in the context of protest demonstrations ill Venezuela, as well as other complaiuts e011-

cerning acts of censorship against media ontlets, attarks 

on organizations that defend human rights, and acts of 

alleged politieal persecution": and 

\:\:11ereas as a member of the Or~anization of ~American 

State:,; and :,;ignatory to the Inter-AlIleriean Democratic 

Charter, the Government of Venezuela has ag'l'eed to 

abide by the principles of ronstitntional, representative 

democracy, ,;vhich include free and fair eledions and adherenre to its mvn constitution: Now, therefore, be it 

Resolved. That the Honse of Representatives2 (1) supports the people of Venezuela in their 

3 pnrsuit of freedom of e)qJression and freedom of as-
5


86872a-4.eps

4 

1 sembly to promote democratic principles m Ven2 ezuela; 

3 (2) deplores the inexcusable violence per4 petrated against opposition leaden; and prote::;ter::; in 

5 Venezuela, and the grmving eff01is to use politically 

6 motivated criminal charges to intimidate the coun7 try's poli tieal opposition; 

8 urges responsible nations throughout the 

9 international commutilty to stalld in solidarity with 

10 the people of Venezuela and to actively encourage a 

11 process of dialogue between the Government of Ven12 e~uela and the political opposition to eud the vio13 knce: 

14 (4) urges the United States Depmimellt of 

15 State to work in concert 'vvith other countries in the 

16 Americas to take meaningfnl steps to ensnre that 

17 basic fundamental freedoms ill Velle~uela are ill ac18 e()rdal1(~e ,,"ith the Inter-American Derno(,rati(~ Char19 tel' and to strengthen the ability of the Organization 

20 of ~i\merica.u States (OAS) to respolld to the erosioll 

21 of democratic norms and institntions in member 

22 states; 

23 (5) urges the United State:,; Department of 

24 State to insist that the Secretary General of the 

25 OAS immediately eOlLvene the OAS's Permanent 
6


86872a-5.eps

5 

1 Couneil to seek the most effedive way to e:Al)edi2 tiously end the violence in Venezuela in accordance 

3 ,,,'ith the Inter-American Democratic Charter: and 

4 (G) supports the Inter-American Commission on 

5 Human Rights in calling upon the Venezuelan Oov6 ernment to "urgently adopt all measures that may 

7 ht~ ne(~e:,;sary to guarantee the rights to life, humane 

8 treatment, and security, as well as the political 

9 rights, the right of assembly, and the rights of free10 dom of association and freedom of e:Al1ression of evIl eryone under its jurisdiction" . 
7


86872b-1.eps

AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE 

TO H.RES.488 

OFFERED BY Ms. Ros-LEHTINEN OF FLORIDA 

Strike the preamble and insert the following: 

'Vhereas the United States Government should support the 

the rule of law, and free and peaceful exercise of representative demoenwy in Venezuela, (~ondemning violenee 

and intimidation against the country's political opposition, and calling for dialogue between all political actors 

in the country; 

'''llereas, on February 12, 2014, also knovvn in Venezuela as 

the Kational Youth Day, students began protesting 111 

several cities Venezuelan leader Kicolas Maduro's inability to stem violent m'ime, his underrl()(~rati(~ aetions, and 

a rapidly deteriorating economy marked by high inflation 

and shortages of consumer goods; 

"'llCreas, on February 12, 2014, a judge issued an arrest 

warrant for Leopoldo Lopez, leader of the opposition 

party Voluntad Popular, for unfounded allegations in 

connection with the student protests; 

"'l'lereas, on February 17, 2014, the Government of Venezuela notified the Unite(l States Department of State 

that it had declared :3 consular officers at the rnited 

States Embassy in Venezuela personae non gratae; 

\Vhereas oyer the last ,Veal', the Goyernment of Venezuela has 

expelled a total of 8 United States Government officials 

from Venezuela; 
8


86872b-2.eps

2 

"11ereas, on February 1M, 2014, opposition leader Leopoldo 

Lopez turned himself in to Venezuelan authorities, was 

arrested, amI eharged with (~riminal ineitement, ('.onspiracy, arson, alld illtellt to damage property; 

"llereas TJeopoldo TJope7. is currently being held in a prison 

at a military facility; 

'Yhereas nongovernmental human rights organizations have 

alleged that the dmrges hrought against Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo L6pez appear to be a politically 

motivated attempt to silence dissent in the country; 

\Vhereas the Venezuelan Government has blocked users' online images as opposition groups marched through Caracas; 

Whereas the Venezuelan people have been protesting economic, social, and political concerns facing their country, 

induding eorrnption, rising inflation rates, shodages of 

everyday products, increasing crime rates, and the erosion of human rights and resped for politi(~al dissent; 

Whereas, on ]11ebruary 19, 2014, President Barack Obama 

criticized the Venezuelan Government for arresting protesters, called for their release, and urged the goverllIllent 

to focus on the "legitimate grievances of the Venezuelan 

people"; 

'Yhereas, as of February 26, 2014, there have been 14 people 

killed, over 100 injured, and many persons unjustly detained in relation to pro-derrl()(~ra(~y demonstrations 

throughout Venezuela; 

"llereas Venehuelan leader Nicolas Maduro threatened to 

expel the L'nited States news network CNN from Vene7.uela and has taken off the air the Colombian news 
9


86872b-3.eps

ehannel NT)J 24, which tram-units m Venezuela, after 

news outlets reported on the nation-\vide protests; 

"11ereas the Inter-Ameri(~an Commission on Human Rights 

released a statement on j1'ebruary 14, 2014, which "expresses its concern over the serious incidents of 'violence 

that have taken place in the context of protest demonstrations in Venezuela, as well as other complaints coneerning ads of (~ensorship against media outlets, atta(~ks 

on organizations that defend human rights, and acts of 

alleged political persecution"; and 

"1wreas as a member of the Organization of American 

States and signatory to the Inter-American Democratic 

Charter, the Government of Vene~uela has agreed to 

abide by the principles of constitutional, representative 

democracy, which include free and fair elections and adherenee to its UWll constitution: )Jow, therefore, be it 

Strike all after the resolving elause and insert the 

following: 

That the House of Representatives-

(1) supports the people of Vene~uela III their 

2 pursuit of freedom of expression and freedom of as3 sembly to promote democratic principles in Ven4 ezuela; 

5 (2) deplores acts which constitute a disregard 

6 for the rule of law, the inexcusable \~olence per7 petrated against opposition leaders and protesters in 

8 Vene~uela, and the gTmv~ng efforts to use politically 
10


86872b-4.eps

4 

motivated (~riminal (~harges to intimiclate the eoun2 try's political opposition; 

3 (8) urges responsihle nations throughout the 

4 international community to stand in solidarity vvith 

5 the people of Vene7.uela and to actively encourage a 

6 process of dialogue between the GoVerlnllellt of Ven7 ezuela and the political opposition to end the vio8 lelwe; 

9 (4) urges the United States Department of 

10 State to work in concert with other countries in the 

11 l\..mericas to take meaningful steps to ensure that 

12 basic fundamental freedoms in Vene7.uela are in ac13 eordanee with the Inter-Ameriean Demoeratie Char14 tel' and to strengthen the ability of the Organization 

15 of Ameriean States (OAS) to respond to the erosion 

16 of democratic norms alld institutions in Venelluela; 

17 (5) urges the Organization of American States 

18 and its lnter-l\..lnerican Commissioll on Humall 

19 Rights to utilize its good offices and all mechanisms 

20 at its disposal to seek the most effedive way to ex21 peditiously end the violence in Venezuela in accord22 ance with the Inter-A~nerican Democratic Charter; 

23 and 

24 (6) supports the Inter-A~11erican Commission on 

25 Human Rights in ealling upon the Venezuelan Oov-
11


86872b-5.eps

ernment to "urgently adopt all mea~ures that may 

2 be necessary to guarantee the rights to life, humane 

3 treatment, amI ~e(mrity, a~ well a~ the politimJI 

4 rights, the right of assembly, and the rights of free5 dom of association and freedom of expression of ev6 cr,Yonc undcr its jurisdiction". 

Amend the title so as to reacl: "A resolution supporting the people of Venezuela as they protest peacefully 

for demoenwy, a redudion in violent (~rime and ealling 

for an end to recent ~violence.". 
12

Mr. SALMON. All members may have 5 days to insert remarks on 

this measure into the record should they choose to do so. I now recognize myself to speak briefly on this bill and amendment. 

Our neighbor to the south, Venezuela, suffers from one of the 

worst murder rates in the world, crushing inflation rates of over 56 

percent, regular electrical blackouts and shortages in everyday 

items such as milk, flour, and even toilet paper. All of this is in 

the face of a country who enjoys one of the world’s largest deposits 

of oil reserves. Clearly the Venezuela people deserve far better. 

For several weeks now many of us have watched in horror as 

protesters in Venezuela have taken to the streets to peacefully express their frustrations and a desire for change. They have been 

brutally attacked by elements of their government and government-aligned thugs on motorcycles. This has led to the tragic death 

of at least 14 individuals, over 100 people injured, and many more 

who have been unjustly detained for exercising their universal 

right to voice their aspirations for democracy, freedom, basic 

human rights, and adherence to the rule of law. 

We bring up this bipartisan resolution today in that spirit, and 

we call upon the State Department, the Organization of American 

States and other parties in the hemisphere to join us in pushing 

for an end to this useless violence, to fully support the rule of law, 

and to promote a more transparent democratic process in Venezuela. 

Although the world’s attention has been focused more vividly on 

the crisis in Ukraine, the stakes in Venezuela are no less important. This is about freedom. It is a nation squarely in our very 

neighborhood, and, until its most recent history, had a long and 

proud tradition of adhering to democratic norms, and was even an 

ally of the United States. Continued instability there adversely affects Venezuela and the entire region and could well lead to violence and instability well beyond their boundaries. 

I want to thank the committee’s chairman emeritus, Ileana RosLehtinen, for her undying support for freedom and democracy anyVerDate 0ct 09 2002 12:59 Apr 22, 2014 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6633 F:\WORK\_WH\022814M\86872 SHIRL

86872c.eps
13

where on the planet, especially in our hemisphere, and for pushing 

for the passage of this timely and important resolution. 

I also want to thank the full committee Ranking Member Engel 

and subcommittee Ranking Member Albio Sires for working with 

us to craft a solid, bipartisan attempt to put our words and our 

voices behind those Venezuelans who aspire to make Venezuela a 

better country for their fellow citizens. 

And I now recognize the ranking member. 

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Chairman, I thank you for holding this markup 

to consider this important resolution calling for an end to violence 

and supporting the people of Venezuela’s right to express their 

frustration toward the deteriorating economic, public safety, and 

political conditions in the country. Rather than allow the space and 

freedom for peaceful demonstration, President Maduro has instead 

utilized oppressive Cuban tactics in silencing the media, detaining 

antigovernment demonstrators, and arresting opposition leader 

Leopoldo Lopez. 

Like his predecessor, Mr. Maduro has also attempted to deflect 

unwarranted blame against the United States by expelling U.S. 

Embassy personnel. And now, instead of peacefully mediating the 

differences with the thousands of antigovernment demonstrators 

that have grown tired of rising crime, inflation, shortages of basic 

goods, and limit the freedoms of expression, Mr. Maduro has proposed an oddly timed diplomatic exchange with our country. 

Mr. Maduro and the Government of Venezuela need to address 

the grievances of its people through meaningful dialogue that respects the space and expression of contrasting points of view. 

I am particularly disturbed and saddened by the unfortunate loss 

of life that has resulted from the demonstrations, and echo the 

international community’s condemnation of the Venezuelan Government’s unnecessary and inappropriate use of force against the 

demonstrators. However, it is unfortunate that some nations exalting democratic virtues within the hemisphere can turn a blind eye 

to these physical and human rights abuses. 

I am a proud cosponsor of House Resolution 488, supporting the 

people of Venezuela in these difficult and uncertain times. I join 

my colleagues in the international community in imploring the 

Government of Venezuela to respect the freedom of expression and 

assembly, and peaceful engagement of opposition. 

I thank my good friend Chairman Salmon and Chairman Emeritus Ros-Lehtinen for their leadership and steadfast efforts in advancing this resolution, which I urge my colleagues to support. 

Thank you. 

Mr. SALMON. Thank you. 

The Chair now entertains any others seeking recognition. 

The former chairman of the full committee, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. 

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Well, thank you so much, Mr. Chairman, 

thank you, Ranking Member, for marking up this timely and important bipartisan resolution in support of the people of Venezuela 

in their pursuit of freedom and democracy. The situation in Venezuela as we have seen has rapidly deteriorated, so I thank you 

both as well as the colleagues on the committee who recognize the 

importance of supporting democracy in Venezuela. I also would like 

to thank the full committee chairman, Mr. Royce, and the ranking 

14

member, Mr. Engel, for their efforts, which have been instrumental 

in ensuring that this bipartisan measure enjoys the amount of support that it currently does. 

I would like to extend my gratitude to the hard-working and 

dedicated staff members that have helped pave the way for this 

resolution: Tom Sheehy, Edward Burrier, Jason Steinbaum, Mark 

Walker, Leah Campos, Ramon Zertuche, Eric Jacobstein, and so 

many others. Thank you, thank you. 

H. Res. 488 is not about Venezuela; it is also about who we are 

as a Nation. We often take for granted the freedoms that we enjoy 

as Americans, but when we witness events like those happening in 

Venezuela, where Maduro silences dissent by unleashing his state 

thugs on innocent civilians who march for freedom and democracy, 

killing and injuring those who have had the temerity to call for reforms, we are reminded of just how great America is. 

And so when we see students of Venezuela take to the streets, 

and take to social media, begging and pleading to the world to 

speak up and take notice, we have a moral obligation to stand up 

and support them. And that is what this resolution does. It tells 

the hundreds of thousands, even millions of Venezuelans who 

yearn for freedom and for liberty, the United States hears you. The 

United States knows what you are going through, and we will support you and support your fundamental human rights, because that 

is what America does everywhere. We speak up for those who are 

being silenced and oppressed. 

I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and to support 

the American ideals of freedom, justice, rule of law, protection of 

human rights, and I thank our colleagues in the Senate, Senators 

Bob Menendez, Marco Rubio, and Dick Durbin. They have a measure that mirrors ours, so this shows that this is a bipartisan, bicameral measure. 

I am also writing a letter to President Obama and asking for cosigners, requesting that he hold Venezuelan officials accountable 

for their human rights abuses. I am asking President Obama, pursuant to applicable U.S. law, to deny visas to enter the U.S. to Venezuelan officials who commit human rights violations, block their 

property, freeze their assets in the U.S., prohibit them from conducting U.S. financial transactions with U.S. businesses and institutions. And, in addition, I plan on introducing a bill next week 

that will codify these measures into law, and I urge my colleagues 

to support both of these efforts. 

And for this resolution, Mr. Chairman, that is before us, we have 

worked with our Department of State in drafting this resolution. 

Thank you very much for the time. 

Mr. SALMON. I thank the gentlewoman from Florida. Are there 

any other members seeking recognition? 

Mr. Meeks. 

Mr. MEEKS. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

I come here deeply concerned about what is taking place in Venezuela. And for me, I thought it was important to be here because 

of my relationship with Venezuela in the past. Many probably 

know that I am one of the few Members of Congress that had a 

relationship with the former Hugo Chavez and happen to know the 

current President Nicolas Maduro. But what I see taking place on 

15

the streets of Venezuela is not the expressions—or not allowing expressions of freedom and discontent to take place, and violence and 

death deeply concerns me. 

I was in Latin America last week, and I talked to a number of 

heads of states from various countries, and they are deeply concerned, some, believe it or not, who are allies and had been working with Venezuela. But even they are concerned at what is taking 

place in Venezuela now. 

I think that I had a moral obligation to be here today to speak 

up against what is taking place, because when I think in my own 

lifetime when African-Americans stood up in the streets to protest 

what they thought was—something that was not democratic, we 

wanted someone to stand and say, take our side, help us, stand up 

and say what is right. 

So when I see that there are individuals—and I know that there 

are people in Venezuela on both sides of the issues, but everybody 

should have the right to express themselves. Everyone should have 

the right to try to make sure that they, too, have a voice. And when 

I see violence being utilized to stop the individuals from expressing 

themselves—and I know Venezuelans, because I have been to elections, and I have seen them line up, both the opposition and 

Chavistas, in huge long lines to vote. That is what should happen. 

And people should be able to go in the streets and express their 

discontent. Government should not come down and stop those or silence those voices, and people should not have to die. 

So we have an obligation, I do believe, when we see people dying 

in the streets simply because they want to express themselves, 

they want to express and put pressure on their government. That 

is what democracies are all about, putting pressure on your government. We have disagreements here, but we don’t go in the streets. 

We don’t allow the government—we don’t want our government to 

utilize violence to silence those voices. So I felt compelled. 

Generally I don’t come and sign up with many of these resolutions. I looked at the resolution and I said, basically it is a fair resolution. You can tell it is a resolution that was worked on in a bipartisan manner. And I just felt it was important to call on voices 

to be heard on all sides of this, especially my voice. 

You know, Dr. King said one time, it is those voices that were 

silent that would not speak out against injustice which concerns us 

most. This is clearly an injustice that is taking place now. And, 

again, in the words of Dr. King, ‘‘Injustice anywhere is a threat of 

justice everywhere.’’

So I join this resolution in a bipartisan manner, and I thank the 

chairman and the former chairwoman on your work. I was told by 

the ranking member how you made sure that we were inclusive. 

You worked with the State Department. You made sure that there 

was language in there from both sides and tried to do it in a balanced way. So I come today to join this resolution, and say, please, 

stop the violence. Let the voices be heard. Let democracy ring. Let 

there be justice. 

And I yield back. 

Mr. SALMON. I thank the gentleman for his impassionate speech. 

In many ways, as I look at what is happening in Ukraine and 

Venezuela, this is 1776. That is what is happening in their country, 

16

and it is totally about freedom. And if we can’t stand for that, then 

what do we stand for? 

The Chair recognizes the gentleman Jeff Duncan. 

Mr. DUNCAN. I thank the chairman and the former chairwoman 

for lending their voice to this, and I strongly support the resolution. 

I am proud to be an original cosponsor. 

You know, multiple protests have occurred in Venezuela with 

thousands of people gathering to staunchly reject the status quo in 

Venezuela. In response to peaceful protests by students, President 

Maduro has used lethal force that has resulted in the deaths of 

more than a dozen Venezuelans. Many more have been wounded, 

and even more jailed by the regime. 

But I am going to tell you what, Mr. Chairman. I am inspired 

by a former retired military officer in Venezuela, General Angel 

Vivas, who stands in defiance at his own home, in defiance of his 

arrest by President Maduro. And he says here, I have the right to 

self-defense. He has become a folk hero for standing in defiance of 

the government. 

Economic conditions continue to worsen. There have been rumors 

that Cuban troops have been assisting the Venezuelan Government 

in managing the protest. I am concerned the U.S. Government is 

not doing enough to stand in solidarity with the Venezuelan people 

who seek freedom and opportunity, and I second the comment you 

just made, Mr. Chairman, that this is Venezuela’s 1776 moment. 

You and I had the conversation that in the Ukraine and in Venezuela, folks are seeking self-governments. They are resisting oppression and seeking liberty. 

The U.S. has a strategic national security interest in Venezuela. 

It is in our hemisphere, but Venezuela is a mere 3-hour flight from 

U.S. soil, a major transit route for cocaine, heroin destined for the 

U.S. It possesses deep ties to FARC, Cuba, Russia, and Iran, and 

has allowed these actors influence in ways that are harmful to U.S. 

interests. 

Secondly, Venezuela has large proven reserves of oil estimated in 

2013 at 297 billion barrels. The economy in Venezuela should be 

more robust than it is. There is a Wall Street Journal front-page 

article today that shows lines of Venezuelans in line for basic commodities at the supermarket. They have g1 weeks, if not months, 

without toilet paper. The bread lines are very evident. But this article talks about President Maduro calling for Carnival season to 

begin early, folks to go to the beaches and start partying. Is this 

not President Maduro’s let-them-eat-cake moment? When the folks 

in Venezuela are suffering, he has the opportunity, and the power, 

and the economy and the tools in the economy to do things differently. 

I think the United States has not only a vested interest, I think 

we have an obligation, as the beacon of liberty in the free world, 

to support the Venezuelans. I think that is what this resolution 

does. I think it is a great first step in urging the Department of 

State to take credible actions to respond to the erosion of freedom 

in Venezuela. 

I think we can do more. I have an amendment that I am not 

going to offer today, but hopefully we can consider sanctions on 

17

Venezuela going forward. I think that is important, that is a tool 

that we can use. 

And so I want to end my comments with thanking you for your 

leadership on this issue. I want to thank retired General Vivas for 

his stance, inspiring Venezuelans, inspiring me, as a beacon of 

someone that understands private property rights and understands 

what the word ‘‘liberty’’ really means. 

So I look forward to swift passage of this, and I yield back. 

Mr. SALMON. Boy, if the public out there doesn’t understand in 

a bipartisan way that this group stands for freedom, they never 

will understand anything. 

Does the Representative from Florida seek recognition? 

Mr. DESANTIS. Briefly, Mr. Chairman. 

I just want to thank you, thank the ranking member for working 

on this, and thanks to my friend from Florida for all of her work. 

She is constantly supporting the freedom of people around the 

world, but particularly in our hemisphere. 

Look, the people of Venezuela are speaking out against a dysfunction and repression that is being brought about by the nation’s 

Havana-directed Socialist leaders. America should stand with the 

people in Venezuela. America should stand for individual liberty. 

And I am happy to support this resolution so that Congress can 

demonstrate on behalf of the American people our solidarity with 

the people of Venezuela, who are being oppressed by a corrupt regime. 

So thank you for working on this. Thank you for doing this. I do 

agree it is a good first step. This is a critical moment for them, and 

we have to be on the side of those who are aspiring to self-government and individual liberty. And I yield back. 

Mr. SALMON. I thank the gentleman. Are there any amendments 

to the en bloc amendment? 

Okay. Hearing no further amendments, the question is on agreeing to the en bloc amendment. 

All those in favor, say aye. 

Opposed, say no. 

In the opinion of the Chair, the ayes have it, and the en bloc 

agreement is agreed to. 

The question now occurs on adopting the H. Res. 488, as amended. 

All those in favor, say aye. 

Opposed, say nay. 

Again, in the opinion of the Chair, the ayes have it, and the 

amended resolution is agreed to. 

Without objection, H. Res. 488, as amended, is reported favorably 

to the full Committee on Foreign Affairs, and staff are directed to 

make any technical and conforming changes. 

That concludes our business, and, without objection, the subcommittee stands adjourned. 

[Whereupon, at 10:26 a.m., the subcommittee was adjourned.] 

(19)

A P P E N D I X 

MATERIAL SUBMITTED FOR THE RECORD

20

f


86872n.eps

SlJBCOMMITTEE MARKlJP NOTICE 

COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS 

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

WASHINGTON, DC 20515-6128 

Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere 

Matt Salmon (R-AZ), Chairman 

February 26, 2014 

TO: MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS 

You are respectfully requested to attend an OPEN meeting of the Committee on Foreign 

Affairs, to be held by the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere in Room 2172 of the 

Rayburn House Office Building (and available live on the Committee website at 

htip//w\'Cw.ForeignA1Tairs.house. gov): 

DAn:: 

TIME: 

MARKUP OF: 

J he Commilfee on 

Friday, February 28,2014 

10:00 a.m. 

H. Res. 488, Supporting the people of Venezuela as they protest 

peacefully for democratic change and calling to end the violence. 

By Direction of the Chairman 

are In neeJ uI speclut 

,nkG"tfol"lbll'm"",i~"m"iv<mC8o/me"W"tH!leneV<'lpn;"nc""k 
21

f


86872m.eps

COMMITTEE ON I<'OREIGN AFFAIRS 

MIi'iUTES OF SUBCOMMITTEE MARKUP 

:,,!E,UTES OF SUBCOM?vlITTEE ON _____ ...;t"'h""e-'-~'_'e'_'.\''''te''_r:.:.,,_''Il~e'''''c::IT'''':'lc;,I.:.:'e::.r=_e ______ lvlARKUP 

Starling Time 10:06 a.m. Ending Tin," 111:26 a.m, 

Recesses C. to )( 

Chairman Matt Salmon 

Check aI/ .!the!nllow/ng that apply: 

Open Session IZl 

Rxp.cutive (dosed) Se1iisi()n 0 T devised IZl 

10 ..... )(. 

Electronically Record'O'!itaped) IZl 

Stenographic Rf;'Cnrrl lLJ 

BILLS FOR MARK[;P: (Include hilt nllrnher(",) and tWe(<;) aflegislation.) 

to 

H. RES. 488 "Supporting Ihe people of Venezuela as they prolest peacefully for democratic change "lTd 

calling to end the violence r, 

COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: 

Chairman Mati Salmon, Ranki"g Member Albia Sires, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. Rep_ Jeff Duncan, Rep. 

Ron DeSanti." ,,,,d Rep. Gregory Meeks_ 

NON-COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: 

NIA 

STATE1\H~':NTS FOR THE RECORD: (List any statements submitted/or tlte record.) 

Rep. Grayson- opening remarks. 

ACTI01'i"S TAKI~~ DURING TDE l\;JARl{UP: (Attach copies (!fle.zislatioll and amnulments.) 

See atlaelune!!t. (Markup Summm:v) 

RECORDED VOTES TAKEl'\ (FOR MARKUP): (Attach jinal vole tal(v "hee/listing each member.) 

Subje<:t 

.W:·j 

T1ME SCHEDllum TO RECONV~:NE ___ _ 

or 

TIME ADJOURNED 10:26.1l.",. 
22

f


86872s.eps

2/28/2014 Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Markup Summary 

The Chair called up H. Res. 488 for consideration by the Subcommittee. 

H. Res. 488 (Ros-Lehtinen), "Supporting the people of Venezuela as they protest peacefully for 

democratic change and calling to end the violence." 

By unanimous consent, two amendments were considered en bloc and agreed to by voice vote: 

a. Ros-Lehtinen 39 (amendment in the nature of a substitute offered by Rep. RosLehtinen); and 

A second degree amendment offered by Rep Salmon to Ros-Lehtinen 39 

H. Res. 488, as amended, was agreed to by voice vote and by unanimous consent was ordered 

favorably reported to the Full Committee on Foreign Affairs. 

The Subcommittee adjourned 
23

PREPARED STATEMENT OF THE HONORABLE ALAN GRAYSON, A REPRESENTATIVE IN

CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF FLORIDA


86872d-1.eps
24

Æ


86872d-2.eps

And for the people in Venezuela - our friends, family, and neighbors -

know that you have the support of the U.S. Congress and the American 

people. We are watching. We care. And we will help. 

T urge my colleagues to support this resolution. Thank you. 

2