Durbin, Rick Scott, Shaheen, Cruz, Gallego, Bennet Introduce Resolution Honoring Nobel Peace Prize Recipient, María Corina Machado
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) along with U.S. Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Ted Cruz (R-TX), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), and Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced a resolution honoring Nobel Peace Prize recipient, María Corina Machado. Durbin and Shaheen spoke to Machado last week.
“Ms. Machado is a worthy recipient of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize for her steadfast and courageous fight for democracy in a once proud nation that has descended into chaos and dictatorship,” said Durbin. “Following a sham election last year where Nicolas Maduro again declared victory, she continued to fight for a peaceful democratic transition that reflected the Venezuelan voters’ overwhelming and clear choice. That steadfast courage in the face of such cruelty is incredible and worthy of the Nobel. She is as determined as ever to see a better future for the Venezuelan people. She has my continued great admiration and support on that effort—and that’s why we’re introducing a strong bipartisan resolution in her honor today.”
Senator Rick Scott said, “María Corina is a hero to her people and a true champion for freedom and democracy in Venezuela. Her peaceful leadership and unwavering courage have become a beacon of hope for millions of Venezuelans who are standing up against Nicolás Maduro’s brutal dictatorship and demanding change. María continues to inspire the world with her determination to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy. I’m proud to stand with her and the brave people of Venezuela in their fight for freedom, and I will continue working alongside María and next year’s winner, President Trump, to hold the illegitimate Maduro regime accountable. Her Nobel Peace Prize is well deserved, and a powerful recognition of the resilience of the Venezuelan people.”
“Maria Corina Machado's selection as this year's Nobel Peace Prize recipient is a testament to her fearless dedication to peaceful, democratic change in Venezuela and a reminder that democracy can only be won and kept if there are people like her that are courageous enough to stand up for freedom,” Ranking Member Shaheen said. “More than that, though, the award is a recognition by the international community of the struggles the Venezuelan people have faced and the importance of continuing to support their democratic aspirations.”
“María Corina Machado has demonstrated remarkable courage in battling the tyranny of the Maduro regime, which continues to retaliate against her and threaten her life. She richly deserves commendation for her tireless efforts, steadfast leadership, and unwavering fight for a free and democratic Venezuela. She is a friend and an ally to the United States, and she humbly dedicated her Nobel Peace Prize to President Trump for being a fierce critic of Maduro’s narcoterrorist regime,” said Cruz.
“The United States must continue to support the Venezuelan people’s efforts to restore the rule of law and democracy in the face of dictator Nicolás Maduro’s fraudulent rule,” said Bennet. “María Corina Machado's extraordinary bravery in fighting for a free and democratic Venezuela gives hope to people around the world resisting authoritarian violence and oppression. I commend her recognition as this year’s Nobel Peace Prize winner and her unwavering opposition to Maduro’s tyranny.”
In 2023, Ms. Machado was fairly chosen by voters in the opposition primary to run against Nicolas Maduro in the July 2024 presidential election but was arbitrarily kept off the final ballot by the Maduro regime. Retired Venezuelan diplomat Edmundo González ran as the substitute opposition candidate. Following the July 28 election, Maduro falsely claimed victory, despite refusing to release actual ballot data and meticulously detailed election observer data that showed a clear and overwhelming victory for Mr. González. The Maduro regime refused to peacefully transfer power by the January 2025 inauguration, instead arresting the opposition leaders, which resulted in Mr. González fleeing the country and Ms. Machado going into hiding. Durbin and Shaheen spoke to Machado in May, not long after the Maduro regime refused to peacefully transfer power.
Full text of the resolution is available here.
In September 2024, Durbin, along with Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), met with five Latin American democracies’ ambassadors to discuss the electoral crisis in Venezuela. And earlier this year, Durbin reintroduced a bill terminating all U.S. petroleum cooperation and petroleum-related trade with Venezuela until the legitimate results of the recent Venezuelan election are respected.
In April 2018, Durbin traveled to Venezuela, where he met with then-National Assembly Member Juan Guaidó as well as Nicolás Maduro, warning him that pursuing a sham election the following month would further isolate his autocratic regime.
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