Expressing concern and condemnation over the political, economic, social, and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela.

urges the Government of Venezuela to heed the calls of the international community without delay to hold free, fair, and open elections, release all political prisoners, including United States citizens, respect the constitutional rights of the National Assembly, and open a channel for international humanitarian assistance and medicines;

urges Organization of American States (OAS) Member States to continue all efforts to support the principles of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, regardless of Venezuela’s intent to withdraw from the OAS, and continue calls for the Government of Venezuela to hold free and fair elections and release all political prisoners in a timely manner;

recognizes the strong leadership of OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro in building a coalition of OAS Member States in support of democracy and human rights for the Venezuelan people; and

encourages the President of the United States to prioritize a resolution to the political, economic, social, and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela and an effective response to the growing regional refugee crisis that is emanating from Venezuela, through multilateral cooperation with partners at the OAS and United Nations, and through targeted sanctions against individuals responsible for the deterioration of democratic institutions and the rule of law in Venezuela.