WASHINGTON – Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement after the Treasury Department announced it would block the assets and property of Venezuelan state oil company PdVSA that are subject to U.S. jurisdiction.
“I strongly back efforts by the United States to use economic and political pressure to support the restoration of democracy in Venezuela,” said Menendez. “However, given the potential implications of this announcement for the well-being of the Venezuelan people, the U.S. should also pair sanctions with expanded efforts to peacefully address Venezuela’s humanitarian crisis. For U.S. action to be most effective, we must coordinate closely with the growing international coalition that supports Interim President Guaidó.”
“As there are more questions than answers about the Administration’s strategy, it’s time for Cabinet members to brief Congress. I encourage Senator McConnell to hold a briefing for all members of the U.S. Senate.”
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