In this Feb. 28, 2014 file photo, surrounded by mask-wearing supporters of Venezuela's opposition, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, center, speaks to the media in Doral, Fla. Rubio and Gov. Rick Scott called for sanctions against Venezuela, as opponents of President Nicolas Maduro were staging countrywide protests. Amid escalating tensions with Venezuela, the U.S. State Department on Wednesday, July 30, 2014, announced sanctions against Venezuelan officials it said committed human rights abuses during the spring crackdown on anti-government protests. (AP Photo/Javier Galeano, File)
Both of Florida’s U.S. Senators are supporting new U.S. sanctions against Venezuela leaders for their role in human rights abuses in that nation.
On Wednesday, the Obama administration announced it was restricting travel to the United States for key Venezuelan officials who are accused of arbitrary detentions and excessive use of force against protesters.
Sens Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio have been among the leaders in the U.S. Senate calling for a strong reaction to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his government’s reaction to demonstrators who have been calling for reforms to the country’s political, social and economic systems.
“The administration's action is a good first step,” Nelson, a Democrat, said. “But if the violence continues, we will need to look at even tougher sanctions.”
Rubio released a similar statement warning that more sanctions could be needed.
"The U.S. government should use every tool at our disposal to hold the Maduro regime accountable for its human rights violations,” said Rubio. “The Obama Administration has taken an important first step by announcing visa bans that would restrict the travel of human rights violators and their families to the U.S. This action should be followed up with asset freezes as well.”
Rubio and Nelson are co-sponsors of a bill that that would also freeze key financial assets of Venezuelan officials.
