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House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	January 28, 2019 08:25 AM
From:	Representative Seth M. Grove
To:	All House members
Subject:	Resolution Urging Support for the Guaido Government of Venezuela and Condemning the Socialist Maduro Regime

The nation of Venezuela is in the midst of a large-scale humanitarian and economic crisis caused by the socialist policies of the Bolivarian Revolution. The revolution which started with the election of Hugo Chavez saw Venezuela go from one of the wealthiest nations in Latin America to a nation with a negative GDP. The economic collapse of Venezuela began when Chavez nationalized private industries and businesses including the country’s oil industry and seized private property. Chavez, and his successor Nicolas Maduro, implemented other aspects of a centrally controlled economy which included, among other things, a state-mandated wage, price controls and limitations on currency exchanges. The result of the seizure/nationalization of private industry and these other policies have been disastrous as the country suffers from hyperinflation and economic collapse. At the same time, more than 80% of the country is living in extreme poverty with millions suffering from starvation. The Washington Post reported in 2017 that 8.9% of children suffered from acute or severe malnutrition. The New York Times reported, around the same time, that in 21 hospitals 400 children had died from starvation over a 5-month period. Researchers now anticipate 8 million people will leave the country in order to survive. The mass migration will spark a humanitarian crisis not only within the starving country, but the surrounding nations as well. Comparatively, on a global scale, capitalism has decreased extreme poverty around the world over the past 20 years. The only reason for the Maduro’s regime continued hold on power is his alliance with the communist regime in Cuba which assists Venezuela with its intelligence and security apparatus. This assistance allows Maduro to utilize the tactics used historically by dictators and allowed him to win an election which the Government of Canada called illegitimate. The leader of the country’s National Assembly and opposition, Juan Guaido, declared himself Interim President. This is keeping with the Venezuelan Constitution. President Trump along with the Governments of Canada, Israel and most of Latin America has recognized Guaido as Interim President as millions of Venezuelans protested the Maduro regime. These protestors have been met with violence leading to several fatalities. In the near future, I plan to introduce a resolution which: Commends the President for recognizing Guaido as the Interim President Recognizes the role socialism has played in causing the economic and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela Condemns the socialist Maduro Regime for their violence against its citizens Condemns socialism as a failed ideology and recognizes its role perpetrating some of the worst suffering in human history: 20-60 million killed under the Soviet Union 40 million killed under Mao 1.5 million killed under the Khmer Rouge Current Crisis in Venezuela Condemns the Democratic Socialists of America. The organization is a growing radical group in American politics, which opposed both the Obama and Trump policies on Venezuela and continue to support the regime. Please join me and co-sponsor this resolution to show solidarity with the President, Canada, Israel and most of Latin America along with the protestors trying to end the dictatorship of the Socialist Maduro Regime.

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