Memphis Standard

U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn, Rick Scott, and Ted Cruz presented the Banning Operations and Leases with the Illegitimate Venezuelan Authoritarian Regime (BOLIVAR) Act to the Senate. This legislative measure seeks to place pressure on Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by forbidding federal agencies from conducting business with any entity that backs Maduro's government. The initiative builds on efforts by President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to counter President Biden's policies and tighten economic measures against the Maduro regime and its activities.

Senator Blackburn remarked, "The Maduro regime is a fraudulent and oppressive dictatorship, and U.S. business dealings with Venezuela should not lend legitimacy to this government, which contradicts our democratic values." She emphasized that the BOLIVAR Act would cut financial ties with entities connected to Maduro, thereby undermining his hold on Venezuela.

Senator Scott labeled Maduro as "an illegitimate, murderous dictator" who suppresses Venezuelans, alleging election theft from Edmundo González and María Corina Machado. Scott further criticized Biden's approach towards Venezuela, claiming it has bolstered Maduro's regime. "We must keep up the pressure on the regime to FINALLY get Maduro out of power," he said, advocating for the act's passage to halt Maduro's benefit from Venezuela's resources.

Senator Cruz added, "Maduro is a tyrant and despot, and his regime poses acute risks to American national security and to the freedoms of the people of Venezuela." He called for his colleagues to quickly move on the bill.

The BOLIVAR Act seeks to prevent federal contract awards to companies involved with the Maduro regime. However, the act allows for exceptions for humanitarian aid and disaster relief and grants the Secretary of State the authority to waive restrictions in the U.S. national interest.

Read the bill text HERE.