House Measure Urging Venezuela Sanctions Gains More Support

A House resolution calling for new U.S. sanctions against Venezuela has gained additional co-sponsors.

The resolution, introduced by Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., had the backing of 31 other House members as of Aug. 9, up from 28 when it was unveiled Aug. 2 (see 2408050024), a Wasserman Schultz spokesperson said.

The resolution says new sanctions are needed to pressure Venezuelan ruler Nicolas Maduro to stop trying to “steal” the country’s recent presidential election. It is pending before the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Senior Biden administration officials have said they are considering “consequences,” including sanctions, in response to the recent election (see 2407290044).