Florida Republican clashes with former US Ambassador over Venezuela sanctions

Rep. Maria Salazar (R-Fla.) criticized the former US ambassador to Nicaragua over oil and gas policy in Venezuela in a House Foreign Affairs subcommittee hearing on Friday.  

“You’re sending a very weak message to [President Nicolás] Maduro,” said Salazar, who serves as chair of the Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere. “I’m sure they’re analyzing this hearing to the T.”

Kevin K. Sullivan, the former ambassador, served as one of the main witnesses for the hearing, which focused on “fraud” in Venezuela in response to Maduro’s disputed victory in the country’s July presidential election. Sullivan is currently the State Department’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Brazil Southern Cone and Andean Affairs.

The hearing largely centered on US gas and oil companies pumping in the country, with the legislators ultimately calling for companies to cease operations.

Over the years, the Biden administration has faced criticism for its policy with big oil in Venezuela.

Oil companies, including those led by Chevron and Repsol, have increased pumping in Venezuela after Biden eased sanctions back in 2022. These sanctions were part of an attempt to persuade the Maduro administration to hold free and fair elections 

While the United States stands among other nations who recognize presidential candidate Edmundo González as the rightful winner of the election, Salazar claims the stance is not enough, calling for the sanctions to be reinstated. González fled to Spain earlier this month shortly after a local Venezuelan judge ordered his arrest.

“Chevron, Repsol, Eni and Maurel [& Prom], blood is on your hands, and it will be on yours, the Biden Administration, and on us, the United States Congress, if we do not act today,” she said.  

Sullivan defended the administration, citing the 16 sanctions on Maduro-affiliated officials placed by the US Treasury and State departments on Sept. 12. In terms of licenses for these oil companies, Sullivan said those decisions are considered with other factors, such as “broader diplomatic efforts” in addressing the situation.  

“Sir, don’t you understand that Maduro is laughing at us?” Salazar asked Sullivan in response. “We are the leaders.” 

In her closing remarks, Salazar claimed oil and gas sanctions are not a partisan issue, and that she would applaud the administration had “done what it committed to.” 

This story was updated on Sept. 20, 2024, to correctly reflect that Sullivan is the former ambassador, not the current.