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Venezuela Crisis Hearing Reignites Debate in Congress

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. crisis-hearing-reignites-debate-in-congress.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, February 17th 2026 at 5:25 GMT by CNN
      Locales: VENEZUELA, UNITED STATES, COLOMBIA

Washington D.C. - February 17th, 2026 - A recent hearing before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, featuring testimony from Venezuelan opposition figures Enrique Marquez Maduro and Congressman Juan Flores, has reignited debate on the deeply entrenched political crisis in Venezuela and the optimal path toward a stable, democratic future. The January 5th session underscored the severity of the humanitarian and political situation while also highlighting the complexities of navigating a resolution, particularly regarding the efficacy of existing international strategies.

Maduro, recognized as the interim president by elements of the Venezuelan opposition following the contested 2018 election (a legacy inherited from Juan Guaido), presented a harrowing account of the Nicolas Maduro regime. His testimony detailed systemic human rights abuses, ranging from arbitrary detentions and extrajudicial killings to widespread torture and suppression of dissent. He painted a grim picture of economic mismanagement, alleging rampant corruption that has systematically drained the nation's resources, leaving millions struggling with poverty, hyperinflation, and a lack of access to basic necessities. The allegations extended beyond financial corruption to include the deliberate obstruction of humanitarian aid, with Maduro claiming the regime routinely diverts or seizes desperately needed supplies, using them as a tool for political control rather than alleviating the suffering of the Venezuelan people.

Congressman Flores echoed Maduro's concerns regarding human rights and economic decline, but emphasized a different facet of the response: continued international pressure. Flores passionately advocated for the maintenance - and potential strengthening - of existing sanctions against key individuals and entities linked to the Maduro regime. He argued that, while sanctions have undoubtedly inflicted economic hardship on the Venezuelan population, they remain a crucial tool for limiting the regime's ability to finance its repressive apparatus and enriching its loyalists. He acknowledged the criticism regarding the broader impact of sanctions on ordinary citizens and suggested a more targeted approach, focusing on individuals directly responsible for abuses and corruption, while simultaneously expanding humanitarian exemptions to ensure essential aid reaches those in need.

The discussion around humanitarian aid was particularly poignant. Lawmakers expressed frustration with the consistent barriers to delivering assistance, despite the dire needs of the population. Several committee members questioned whether the current mechanisms for aid delivery were sufficient, given the regime's demonstrated willingness to obstruct or manipulate the process. Proposals were floated for exploring alternative channels for aid delivery, including direct assistance to NGOs operating within Venezuela and expanding support for neighboring countries hosting Venezuelan refugees.

Beyond immediate relief, the hearing centered on the long-term goal of a democratic transition. Both Maduro and Flores stressed the absolute necessity of free and fair elections, conducted under independent observation, to restore legitimacy to the government. However, achieving this seemingly simple goal is fraught with challenges. The Maduro regime has consistently demonstrated a refusal to allow genuinely competitive elections, manipulating electoral processes and silencing opposition voices. Maduro outlined a vision for a transitional government of national unity, comprising representatives from various sectors of Venezuelan society, to oversee the electoral process and ensure a level playing field.

The hearing also touched upon regional security implications. The ongoing instability in Venezuela is increasingly viewed as a threat to neighboring countries, with concerns about spillover effects from the humanitarian crisis, including increased migration flows and the potential for organized crime to flourish. Several lawmakers voiced concerns about the influence of external actors, particularly Cuba and Russia, in propping up the Maduro regime and potentially exacerbating regional tensions.

Experts suggest that a multi-pronged strategy is required to address the Venezuelan crisis. This includes sustained diplomatic pressure, targeted sanctions, robust humanitarian assistance, and support for civil society organizations working to promote democracy and human rights. However, there is no consensus on the optimal sequencing or prioritization of these elements. Some argue that sanctions should be lifted as a condition for negotiations, while others believe they should remain in place until concrete progress is made toward democratic reforms. The Committee is expected to hold further hearings in the coming months to explore these issues in greater detail and develop a comprehensive policy framework for addressing the Venezuelan crisis. The situation remains fluid, and the future of Venezuela - and its impact on the region - hangs in the balance.