Venezuelans must lead the fight for democracy in their country. Of course, in the face of a cruel authoritarian regime, they cannot put pressure on Maduro on their own. Through their resilience and peacefulness, they have gained the support of the international community, which is very important to denounce the Nicolás Maduro regime. At times when Maduro and his cronies violate the Venezuelan Constitution, the international community can hold up the leaders to the country’s law and to the international agreements the country has pledged to.
Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI-1) is one of the many voices of the international community respecting the democratic wishes of the Venezuelan people. He recognizes that Maduro does not deserve to be the leader of Venezuela and that, under the Venezuelan Constitution, Juan Guaidó is the legitimate interim president of Venezuela until elections are held. But as much as he believes that Maduro has contributed to the deterioration of the economy and way of life for the Venezuelan people, he does not believe that there should be a military intervention in the country.
On March 27th, we attended a conversation with Congressman Cicilline and Juan Gonzalez on Venezuela, organized by Foreign Policy for America. This timely event gave us on opportunity to better understand what Congressman Cicilline’s position on Venezuela is and what he believes should be the role of the US Congress—the people’s branch of government.
Thank you very much to @RepCicilline and @Cartajuanero for a thoughtful and important discussion on Venezuela last night! pic.twitter.com/UuOggMh5yD
— Foreign Policy for America (@FP4America) March 28, 2019
On February 6th, Congressman Cicilline introduced the H.R. 1004, titled “Prohibiting Unauthorized Military Action in Venezuela Act,” to the House of Representatives. It was then referred to both the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for them to consider the provisions that fall within the jurisdiction of each committee. After being discussed there, the resolution is scheduled for a House vote in April.
In summary, “this bill prohibits funds made available to federal departments or agencies from being used to introduce the Armed Forces of the United States into hostilities with Venezuela, except pursuant to (1) a declaration of war, (2) a specific statutory authorization that meets the requirements of the War Powers Resolution and is enacted after the enactment of this bill, or (3) a national emergency created by attack upon the United States or the Armed Forces.” Since it was introduced, 62 representatives from both parties have co-sponsored the bill. Some backlash suggests that this completely rules out a military option in Venezuela. However, reading the summary it is clear that is not the case. For Cicilline, the resolution simply reaffirms that the government must follow the law. More specifically, with the War Powers Resolution passed in 1973.
This bill comes at a time when there are some inconsistencies in the White House. For over a year, president Trump and his administration have publicly said that when it comes to Venezuela, “all options are on the table, including military options.” However, some officials have privately alleged that they would not intervene. Recognizing that there is no way to make a case in favor of such intervention for Congress to approve. Previously, the administration has been unreliable with matters that surpass Venezuelan foreign policy. Therefore, Rep. Cicilline does not trust this administration to keep its word and follow the law, and thought it imperative to propose this resolution.
Contrary to the White House administration’s belief, a military intervention narrative does not help the Venezuelan opposition. The military intervention narrative only serves Maduro, who uses this threat to fuel his narrative. Instead, Cicilline’s bill reduces Maduro’s power to rally the country against a foreign intervention. Furthermore, threatening the use of force causes more tension in the international coalition in favor of democracy in Venezuela.
This week we saw images of Russian military personnel arriving in at a Venezuelan airport. Since, the Russian government has confirmed these allegations. Although it is a very serious situation, it contributes to the argument that the US should not intervene in Venezuela. “What would be disastrous for the Venezuelan people,” said Cicilline, “would be to have an US-Russian conflict in Venezuela for foreign interest.”
There are many ways the US can help Venezuelans return to democracy. “Both Democrats and Republican agree that individuals must be sanctioned,” stated the Congressman. However, that consensus begins to crumble on sector sanctions. For example, treasury sanctions on PdVSA, the Venezuelan state-owned oil company. He believes the US is now part of the problem in pressuring the Venezuelan people. He continued to explain how sector sanctions are imposed with the hope that it persuades a regime act in a certain way, when in reality the people feel the consequences. “We must know that if we are going to sanction the sectors, the action needs to be accompanied by an increase in humanitarian aid to alleviate the crisis.” Finally, sector sanctions are another example where the Maduro regime can use the role of the US to explain the hardships the country is living through.
Instead, there should be targeted sanctions at individuals. The White House has already done this, but it is not clear what their objectives are. Sanctions must be applied through a very carefully developed plan and strategy to reach objectives. There is still work to be done in that regards.
The US can also play a part as a member of the international community and allowing the Lima Group to take the lead. A solution coming from the region has more authority and better serves the interests of Latin America.
Another coherent action the over 50 countries that recognize Juan Guaidó as the legitimate leader of Venezuela can take is to formalize the support by allowing him to regain authority over Venezuelan property in each of their countries. In the case of the United States, that meant opening two consulates—one in Washington, D.C., and one in New York City. “That is the right kind of action that countries can take. By recognizing Guaidó and giving him facilities, they are helping to nudge a transition in a non-violent way,” affirmed the Congressman.
Concrete action to help Venezuelans is already taking place in the House of Representatives in addition to the House Resolution introduced by Cicilline. Three other bills were passed in the House on March 25th in response to the Venezuelan crisis. The first, Bill to Restrict Arms Sales to Venezuelan Dictator Nicolás Maduro and His Security Forces, proposed by Rep. Donna Shalala (D-FL-27). The second, the Russia-Venezuelan Threat Mitigation Act, submitted by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-23). Finally, the Humanitarian Assistance to the Venezuelan People Act of 2019 championed by Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D-FL-26). Moreover, Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL-9) introduced the Venezuela TPS Act of 2019 in January. This last one would benefit thousands of Venezuelans living in the US, who are at risk to go back to Venezuela, to an oppressive country, as denounced by the White House.
“Maduro has destroyed—or is well on his way to destroying—a beautiful country, and has caused unspeakable hardship for the Venezuelan people,” said Congressman Cicilline. He hopes that any US desire to intervene in Venezuela is first consulted with the law and the people. However, he candidly admitted, “It would take a lot to persuade me to send our service men and women to fight in Venezuela.”
You can view the complete conversation on Foreign Policy for America’s Facebook Page.
Image: Foreign Policy for America Twitter