Rep. Salazar Questions Secretary of State Blinken on Venezuela, Colombia, and Cuba at House Foreign Relations Committee Hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative María Elvira Salazar (FL-27) questioned Secretary of State Antony Blinken on important issues regarding Venezuela, Colombia, and Cuba during a House Foreign Relations Committee hearing.

Congresswoman Salazar began her questioning with Venezuela. She asked Secretary Blinken directly if the Biden Administration plans to cancel the oil licenses of international companies operating in Venezuela before January 10, 2025, the day when dictator Nicolás Maduro is expected to illegitimately take office for another term.

To watch Secretary Blinken's response, click here.

Congresswoman Salazar then asked Secretary Blinken about the request for a presidential pardon made by Colombian President Gustavo Petro. President Petro has asked the Biden Administration to grant a Presidential Pardon to convicted FARC terrorist leader Simón Trinidad, who is serving a 60-year sentence in a United States federal prison for kidnapping three American citizens.

To watch Secretary Blinken's response, and Congresswoman Salazar's recommendation to him, click here.

To conclude her questioning during the Foreign Relations Committee hearing, Representative Salazar asked Secretary Blinken if the Biden Administration plans to remove Cuba from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, or if Cuba’s status is currently under review for removal before January 20, 2025.

To watch Secretary Blinken's response, and Congresswoman Salazar's reaction to Secretary Blinken's commitment, click here.

To watch the full line of questioning by Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar to Secretary of State Blinken, click here.

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