Bill Summary
This resolution recognizes Maria Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote democracy in Venezuela. It highlights the illegitimacy of the 2018 presidential elections under Nicolas Maduro and the subsequent political repression that has led to widespread suffering and emigration.
The resolution notes Machado's role in a credible primary election in October 2023, which she won, but underscores the Maduro regime's refusal to allow her candidacy in the July 2024 presidential election. Instead, the opposition supported Edmundo Gonzalez, who won the election amid documented irregularities and violence against opponents.
The resolution commends Machado for her bravery, demands the safety of political prisoners, recognizes Gonzalez's election victory, and expresses support for the Venezuelan people's desire for a democratic government. It calls on the Maduro regime to acknowledge the election results and respect the democratic aspirations of the Venezuelan populace.
Possible Impacts
The resolution recognizing Maria Corina Machado and reaffirming support for democracy in Venezuela could have several significant effects on people, particularly Venezuelans and the broader international community. Here are three examples:
1. **Increased International Attention and Pressure**: The resolution may draw greater attention from international media and human rights organizations to the situation in Venezuela. This heightened scrutiny could lead to increased international pressure on the Maduro regime to respect democratic processes and human rights. For Venezuelans, this could mean a greater chance of international support for their struggle against oppression, potentially leading to more significant actions such as sanctions or diplomatic measures that could help restore democracy.
2. **Empowerment of Opposition Groups**: By commending Maria Corina Machado and recognizing the results of the July 2024 election, the resolution could empower opposition parties and activists within Venezuela. This recognition may boost morale among those who oppose the Maduro regime and encourage more citizens to participate in political processes, knowing that their efforts are supported internationally. As a result, it could galvanize further civic engagement and mobilization against the regime.
3. **Potential for Political Repercussions**: The resolution's demands for the Maduro regime to ensure Machado's safety and release political prisoners could trigger a range of reactions from the government. If the regime perceives the resolution as a threat, it may respond with further crackdowns on dissent, making the situation more dangerous for opposition leaders and activists. Conversely, if the regime chooses to engage constructively, it may open up dialogue with opposition groups, potentially leading to negotiations for political reforms. In either case, the lives and safety of many Venezuelans could be directly affected by the regime's response to the resolution.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 462 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. RES. 462
Recognizing Nobel Prize winner Maria Corina Machado and reaffirming
support for democracy in Venezuela.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
October 22 (legislative day, October 21), 2025
Mr. Durbin (for himself, Mr. Scott of Florida, Mrs. Shaheen, Mr. Cruz,
Mr. Gallego, and Mr. Bennet) submitted the following resolution; which
was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Recognizing Nobel Prize winner Maria Corina Machado and reaffirming
support for democracy in Venezuela.
Whereas, on May 20, 2018, Venezuela held Presidential elections that were widely
discredited as illegitimate;
Whereas the ensuing years under Nicolas Maduro were marred by devastating
economic and political collapse, with millions fleeing the country and
others jailed or killed for peacefully opposing the regime;
Whereas, amid that repressive environment, Venezuelan opposition parties
conducted a credible Presidential primary election on October 22, 2023,
won by former National Assembly member Maria Corina Machado;
Whereas the Maduro regime refused to allow Machado to be on the ballot for the
July 2024 Presidential election;
Whereas retired Venezuelan diplomat Edmundo Gonzalez was chosen by the
opposition to run in Machado's stead;
Whereas, on July 28, 2024, Gonzalez won two thirds of the vote in a process
meticulously and transparently documented by credible election
observers;
Whereas the Maduro regime refused to release actual election results and
tabulations, instead conducting a sweeping crackdown of opposition
leaders and supporters, including arbitrary detentions;
Whereas the Maduro regime refused to swear Gonzalez into office on January 10,
2025, leading him to flee the country;
Whereas Machado, at great risk to her safety, has remained in Venezuela in
hiding while continuing to call for respect for the election results and
a return to democracy; and
Whereas Machado's courageous efforts led to her being awarded the Nobel Peace
Prize on October 10, 2025: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) commends Maria Corina Machado for her peaceful and
determined effort to see a free and democratic Venezuela;
(2) congratulates Maria Corina Machado for winning the
Nobel Peace Prize;
(3) demands the Maduro regime ensure her safety and release
her colleagues and other political prisoners from detention;
(4) recognizes the legitimate results of the July 2024
Venezuelan election won by Edmundo Gonzalez and expects the
Maduro regime to also recognize those results without any
further delay; and
(5) supports the aspirations of the Venezuelan people to
reverse the country's tragic decline by freely and
democratically choosing their leaders.
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