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STATEMENT: Rep. Khanna Slams Trump Administration’s Handling of Relations with Venezuela

January 24, 2019

Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Khanna of the House Armed Services Committee and staunch voice for restraint in foreign policy, issued the below statement in response to President Trump's recent anointing of Juan Guaido, leader of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, as the "interim president" of Venezuela.

"The United States should not anoint the leader of the opposition in Venezuela during an internal, divided conflict. There is no doubt the Maduro's economic policies have been terrible, and he has engaged in financial mismanagement and also political authoritarianism. But crippling sanctions and threats of military action are making life worse for ordinary Venezuelans, and the U.S. stands alone in its decision to impose economic sanctions against the Venezuelan government. We should work to support the efforts of Uruguay, Mexico and the Holy See for a negotiated settlement and end the sanctions that are making the hyperinflation worse. I plan to circulate a letter to my colleagues to the Trump Administration urging them to immediately change course in its policy toward Venezuela."

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About the Office

Congressman Khanna represents the 17th District of California, which covers communities in Silicon Valley. Visit his website at khanna.house.gov. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter @RepRoKhanna.