CONGRESSMEN CARLOS GIMENEZ AND MARIO DIAZ-BALART MEET WITH MARIA CORINA MACHADO, VENEZUELA'S IRON LADY AND LIBERATOR

This press release from Representative Carlos A. Gimenez (R-FL) was published on 2026-01-20 and titled "CONGRESSMEN CARLOS GIMENEZ AND MARIO DIAZ-BALART MEET WITH MARIA CORINA MACHADO, VENEZUELA'S IRON LADY AND LIBERATOR". It focuses on infrastructure.

CONGRESSMEN CARLOS GIMENEZ AND MARIO DIAZ-BALART MEET WITH MARIA CORINA MACHADO, VENEZUELA'S IRON LADY AND LIBERATOR

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representatives Carlos A. Gimenez (FL-28) and Mario D az-Balart (FL-26) met with Mar a Corina Machado, where they reaffirmed unwavering support and solidarity with the cause of freedom in Venezuela, Mar a Corina Machado, and President-elect Edmundo Gonz lez Urrutia as the duly-elected representatives of the people. Congressman Carlos Gim nez said, "Today, the United States House of Representatives welcomed my friend Nobel Laureate Mar a Corina Machado. She is the bravest woman I will ever know, a fearless leader who embodies the courage and unbreakable will of the Venezuelan people. After enduring years of repression and threats from a brutal narco-terrorist regime, Maria Corina united the Venezuelan people behind a historic democratic movement. Thanks to President Donald J. Trump's decisive actions in capturing dictator Nicol s Maduro, Venezuela is closer than ever to freedom. I will continue fighting tirelessly until all political prisoners are freed and the democratic transition in Venezuela succeeds in restoring the rule of law and fundamental rights and liberties." Congressman Mario D az-Balart said, "Mar a Corina Machado is Venezuela's brave liberator. She has survived years of repression, unjust and targeted indictments, and even threats to her life. Still, she has united her people, both in Venezuela and across the diaspora, through a remarkable movement. Against all odds, she exposed the fraud and illegitimacy of the Maduro regime, with the President-elect Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia and Maria Corina Machado winning the overwhelming support of the people in the 2024 elections. Thanks to President Trump's bold and decisive leadership in capturing Nicol s Maduro and Cilia Flores and to bring them to justice, Venezuelans are closer than ever to regaining freedom, democracy, and prosperity. This is a critical transition period for Venezuela, and I have no doubt that once free elections are held, Maria Corina Machado will again have the overwhelming support of the people." Mar a Corina Machado said, "On behalf of the Venezuelan people, I want to express that we are a people who love and share the values of freedom and democracy - values practiced by the people of the United States, with whom we have long historically identified. I want to especially thank President Trump and his administration, as well as those who, from the very beginning, clearly understood the existential nature of our struggle. I also want to specially thank our representatives - Mario D az-Balart, Carlos Gim nez, and Mar a Elvira Salazar - for being genuine champions of our cause since the very beginning until the end! When many doubted, when it seemed impossible, when some said it was impossible to defeat this tyranny and that we should resign ourselves to living under oppression, they placed their trust in the people of Venezuela. Venezuela will be free. Cuba will be free. Nicaragua will be free. The Americas will be free!!" ###