Hoyer: Vote in Venezuela Represents a Dangerous Setback for Democracy

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on the vote to establish a constituent assembly in Venezuela and rewrite the constitution: 

"Yesterday's vote to form a constituent assembly in Venezuela represents a dangerous setback for democracy in our hemisphere. The majority of Venezuelans refused to participate, seeing this election for what it was: a fraudulent attempt by President Maduro to consolidate absolute power and run the country without any regard for the will of its people. The Treasury Department is correct to impose sanctions on him and freeze his assets in the United States.  Our country and our partner nations in the Organization of American States must continue to put pressure on the Maduro government to allow free and fair elections and stop hindering the activities of democratic opposition groups. The Venezuelan people deserve freedom and self-government."