[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 120 (Tuesday, July 29, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1260]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING VENEZUELAN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MEMBER AND OPPOSITION LEADER 
                          MARIA CORINA MACHADO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 29, 2014

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to an individual who, 
at great risk to her own life and safety, has been standing up for 
democracy and freedom in Venezuela. Maria Corina Machado, a Member of 
the National Assembly and a leader of the opposition, has taken a 
courageous stand against the repressive regime of President Nicolas 
Maduro, speaking out on behalf of those whose voices have been silenced 
by fear of arrest or violence.
  Since the death of former President Hugo Chavez, the Maduro regime 
has maintained Venezuela on the path of suppressing democracy, 
silencing protest, preventing press freedom, and intimidating political 
opponents like Ms. Machado. In one instance, Maduro supporters 
physically assaulted opposition Members in the National Assembly 
chamber, and Ms. Machado was beaten and had her nose broken. None of 
the perpetrators were brought to justice.
  Over the past several months, Venezuela has seen a number of mass 
protests by those seeking greater democracy. These are not part of a 
`coup d'etat,' as President Maduro has alleged, but a result of his 
oppressive regime. The Venezuelan people deserve the chance to build a 
free and democratic nation and choose their own future course, free 
from fear. As democracy continues to come under assault by the Maduro 
regime, Americans will continue to look to Venezuela with a deep 
concern for the safety of its people and solidarity with those seeking 
to restore their freedom.
  Maria Corina Machado has helped draw international attention to the 
ongoing repression in her country, and for her work she will be honored 
by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems with its annual 
Charles T. Manatt Democracy Award on October 1. This annual award 
recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing 
freedom and democratic values in their nations and around the world.
  I will continue to monitor the situation in Venezuela closely, and I 
will continue to highlight the work of courageous pro-democracy 
activists like Ms. Machado, who have faced death threats and been 
accused of treason by the ruling regime. The United States is watching 
what takes place in Venezuela with great interest, and Congress will be 
paying particular attention to the safety and security of Ms. Machado 
and other opposition figures who have dared to speak out for the rights 
of the Venezuelan people.
  I congratulate Ms. Machado on being chosen for the Charles T. Manatt 
Democracy Award, and I stand with her and other peaceful supporters of 
democratic reform as they seek to build a brighter future for all 
Venezuelans.

                          ____________________