# Plain Language Summary: Resolution on Venezuela's Elections

This resolution is Congress expressing strong disapproval of Venezuela's government under Nicolás Maduro and how it conducted recent legislative elections. Essentially, Congress is saying that the elections were rigged and unfair, and that Venezuela's democracy is falling apart. This isn't a law that changes anything in the United States or directly affects Americans—it's a formal statement of the government's position on what's happening in Venezuela.

The resolution criticizes the Maduro regime for holding elections that weren't free, fair, or transparent. In other words, Congress is saying the elections weren't legitimate because voters didn't have genuine choices, the process wasn't conducted honestly, and the public couldn't see what was actually happening. The resolution also expresses concern that Venezuelan democracy is getting worse, with the government becoming increasingly authoritarian and removing people's freedoms.

Since this is just a resolution and not a law, it doesn't create new rules or programs. It won't directly change your life if you're an American citizen. However, it does signal Congress's stance on Venezuela's political situation, which could influence how the U.S. government approaches its relationship with Venezuela going forward—things like trade, diplomatic relations, or sanctions. For Venezuelan citizens or people with family in Venezuela, this resolution represents American support for democratic principles and criticism of the current government's actions, though the practical impact depends on what policies Congress and the administration choose to pursue based on this position.

A resolution denouncing the Maduro regime's fraudulent legislative elections, the absence of acceptable conditions to ensure free, fair, and transparent electoral processes in Venezuela, and the further erosion of Venezuelan democracy.

Rubio, Marco

 <p>This resolution denounces the Nicol&aacute;s Maduro regime's most recent legislative elections as fraudulent and illegitimate, does not recognize the legitimacy of the new Venezuelan National Assembly, and joins members of the international community in rejecting the elections. Further, it urges that elections in Venezuela be conducted as soon as possible according to international standards for free, fair, and transparent electoral processes.</p> <p>Additionally, the resolution calls on the Maduro regime to cease its persecution of Venezuala's independent political parties and release all political prisoners, and it calls for Nicol&aacute;s Maduro and senior members of his regime to be held accountable for their actions.</p>