Boise City Wire

U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Marco Rubio have voiced their disappointment over the Biden Administration's choice not to extend a license to conduct business with Venezuela's Maduro regime. In a joint statement, the senators expressed their concerns about the decision, emphasizing the need for stronger actions against the regime.

Senator Risch stated, "Today’s announcement that President Biden will not renew a general license to do business with the Maduro regime’s oil and gas sector is long-overdue and insufficient given the realities on the ground in Venezuela." He highlighted the regime's violations and repression, calling for the U.S. and the international community to hold Maduro accountable.

Senator Rubio echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic efforts to increase sanctions on the regime and enforce existing indictments. He urged for a stronger stance against Maduro's actions, stating, "For three long years, President Biden has repeatedly appeased and granted concessions to Maduro and his cronies, even as the criminal regime has increased repression on Venezuelan democratic opposition."

In a letter to President Biden, Senators Risch and Rubio urged the administration to reconsider its approach towards the Maduro regime and to renew economic pressure by not extending oil sanctions relief. The senators are calling for a more assertive stance against Maduro's regime and its human rights violations.

The senators' criticism of the administration's decision underscores the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, particularly concerning the Maduro regime's actions and the need for a stronger response from the international community.