Bill · S.Res. 462· Senate(119-SRES-462)
A resolution recognizing Nobel Prize winner Maria Corina Machado and reaffirming support for democracy in Venezuela.
- Introduced
- 10/22/2025
- Last activity
- 10/22/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S7700)
- Sponsored by
- Richard Durbin
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
This resolution recognizes Nobel Prize winner Maria Corina Machado and reaffirms support for democracy in Venezuela. It highlights the discredited 2018 elections under Nicolas Maduro and the subsequent economic and political collapse. The text notes that Machado won a 2023 opposition primary but was blocked from the 2024 ballot by the Maduro regime. It states that Edmundo Gonzalez then ran and won the July 2024 election, though the Maduro regime refused to release results or swear him in. Finally, the resolution commends Machado, congratulates her on the Nobel Peace Prize, demands the release of political prisoners, and supports the democratic aspirations of the Venezuelan people.
Yes· 3 of 10
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+6
The resolution strengthens diplomatic posture and solidarity with democratic opposition leaders in Venezuela.
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?+6
It clearly articulates congressional backing for democratic transition and human rights in Venezuela.
Does this make elections run better?+5
The resolution promotes international electoral transparency and legitimate democratic transitions.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Commending and congratulating Maria Corina Machado: Under resolved section (1) and section (2), the Senate commends Machado for her peaceful efforts toward a free Venezuela and congratulates her on winning the Nobel Peace Prize, which honors her courageous work.
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Demanding safety and the release of political prisoners: Under resolved section (3), the Senate demands that the Maduro regime ensure Machado's safety and release her colleagues and other political prisoners from detention, which could help protect these individuals and reunite them with their families.
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Recognizing the election results and supporting democracy: Under resolved section (4) and section (5), the Senate recognizes the legitimate results of the July 2024 election won by Edmundo Gonzalez and supports the Venezuelan people's aspirations to freely and democratically choose their leaders, which stands up for the votes of the people.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts identified: The provided text of the resolution does not contain any specific sections or provisions that outline negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Electoral Process+5Improves Due Process+4Improves Freedom Of Speech+4Improves Government Transparency+4
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Women+5Good For Hispanic Americans+4Good For Immigrants+4
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Diplomatic Engagement+6Improves International Alliances+6
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Voting Rights+5
- 10/22/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S7700)
- 5 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Michael BennetDemocrat · Colorado
Ted CruzRepublican · Texas
Ruben GallegoDemocrat · Arizona
Jeanne ShaheenDemocrat · New Hampshire
Rick ScottRepublican · Florida