(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Civilian Security, Migration, and International Economic Policy, and Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on International Development, International Organizations and Global Corporate Social Impact, issued the following statement in support of the introduction of a Senate companion to their bill, the AFFECT Human Rights in Venezuela Act:

“The U.S. Senate’s introduction of the AFFECT Human Rights in Venezuela Act is an important step in the restoration and protection of fundamental rights in Venezuela,” said Rep. Sires. “It is imperative that Congress take the necessary steps to hold the Maduro regime accountable for its crimes against humanity and atrocities against its own people. This legislation opens new avenues for supporting victims, aiding Venezuelan migrants and refugees displaced by the political crisis, and securing the release of political prisoners and wrongfully detained Americans. I’m proud to have bipartisan, bicameral support for this effort and I’m grateful to Senators Kaine and Rubio for their leadership on this issue.”

“As negotiations resume between Venezuela's political leaders, the United States must do our part to support the ongoing humanitarian needs of the Venezuelan people,” said Rep. Castro. “The AFFECT Human Rights in Venezuela Act, which has bicameral, bipartisan support, emphasizes the steadfast U.S. commitment to protecting human rights in Venezuela and holding perpetrators of injustice responsible for their crimes. I thank Senators Kaine and Rubio for leading this bill in the Senate, and I look forward to our continued work to build a peaceful and stable future for Venezuela.”

The AFFECT Human Rights in Venezuela Act (H.R.8813) is led in the House by Reps. Sires and Castro and was unanimously approved and sent to the floor by the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

The AFFECT Human Rights in Venezuela Act:

    Directs the President, Secretary of State, and U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. to push for an extension of the mandate of the Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela.

    Instructs the U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. to work with relevant international authorities to secure the release of political prisoners and wrongfully detained foreign nationals, including Americans.

    Stipulates U.S. support for providing humanitarian assistance directly to the Venezuelan people, including migrants and refugees.

    Requires the President and Secretary of State to incorporate the Fact-Finding Mission’s conclusions in U.S. policy towards Venezuela and to report to Congress on actions taken to restore and support human rights in the country.