Washington, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-ID), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee today welcomed Ambassador Carlos Vecchio, Chargé d'Affaires of Venezuela, and a delegation of members of interim President Juan Guaidó’s administration to the U.S. Senate. Risch and Vecchio were joined by Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Ted Cruz (R-TX), as well as Special Representative of Venezuela to the Organization of American States, Gustavo Tarre Briceño.

The group discussed the importance of the transition process being led by Interim President Guaidó and the consequences of Nicolas Maduro’s misrule and increasing repression. Sen. Risch emphasized the importance of the European Union and other nations backing President Guaidó’s leadership and constitutional legitimacy.  

“We’ve just completed a very productive conversation with Ambassador Carlos Vecchio of Venezuela, who represents the president of Venezuela, Juan Guaidó, and the Venezuelan people” Risch said in remarks following the meeting. “Let there be no mistake about this, the United States of America recognizes the government of Juan Guaidó, and recognizes Carlos Vecchio as the representative of the Venezuelan people.

“I can say this—I believe that the Guaidó government has a legitimate, non-violent plan to get the matter stabilized and get the government in place. Today, my colleagues and I committed our full support to the Venezuela delegation and let them know we are ready to assist the transition and ensure it is accomplished as smoothly as possible.”

Video of the remarks can be downloaded via this link.