US Lawmakers Urge Removal of Sanctions on Venezuela Amid Earthquake Crisis

A group of 14 U.S. lawmakers has appealed to President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent for the lifting of economic sanctions on Venezuela. This request comes in light of the devastation caused by two significant earthquakes that struck the northern region of Venezuela on June 24, resulting in a staggering toll of 4,561 dead and 16,740 injured, with thousands rendered homeless. The Democratic representatives, including notable figures such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar, argue that current economic restrictions are hindering urgent relief efforts and potentially jeopardizing the country's ability to recover and rebuild in the long term. The letter, which was also supported by approximately 20 NGOs, highlights the dire humanitarian crisis that has unfolded from the earthquakes, which were the most powerful to hit the country in over a century. With the devastation widespread, including damage to over 1,400 buildings such as schools and hospitals, the total economic damage is estimated between $67 billion and $100 billion, representing a significant portion of Venezuela's GDP. The lawmakers contend that while the earthquakes themselves were unavoidable natural disasters, the U.S. sanctions—imposed during Nicolás Maduro’s administration—have severely limited Venezuela's capacity to respond effectively. The United Nations has classified the situation as a critical emergency, with 18 million people, including nearly 700,000 children, requiring humanitarian assistance. The health system in Venezuela is reportedly on the brink of collapse, exacerbating the plight of those affected by the earthquakes. In their letter, the lawmakers stress that lifting sanctions would allow state institutions to coordinate emergency healthcare and recovery efforts more efficiently, mitigating the impending humanitarian disaster. They emphasize that the removal of financial restrictions is crucial for the clearance efforts needed for rubble, rebuilding infrastructure, and stabilizing the economy, which has been mired in recession for a decade. This push for sanction relief has garnered backing from a manifesto signed by over a hundred economists and academics, who are sounding alarms over the humanitarian implications of the ongoing financial blockade. They are urging immediate action to facilitate access to $5 billion in Special Drawing Rights from the International Monetary Fund, alongside other financial aids that have been blocked due to sanctions. They advocate for cooperation with international partners to release over $6 billion in Venezuelan assets currently frozen outside the country. Despite the U.S. government's approval of a $300 million aid package, the general consensus among the lawmakers and economists is that this is insufficient to address the pressing and extensive needs of the Venezuelan population. The current measures, they argue, are limited and encumbered by bureaucratic hurdles that hamper effective disaster response efforts. As the situation continues to unfold, the lawmakers are calling for the immediate release of Venezuelan oil revenues held in U.S. accounts to assist in reconstruction efforts. They assert that without these critical actions, the humanitarian and economic crises will only deepen, leaving millions at risk of further suffering. This urgent appeal for a change in U.S. policy highlights the complex interplay between economic sanctions, humanitarian needs, and geopolitical interests in a country struggling to provide for its citizens amidst one of the worst crises in its recent history. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2