House passes bills to expand humanitarian aid in Venezuela and hurt Maduro

The House of Representatives passed three bills on Monday to expand U.S. humanitarian assistance in Venezuela, examine Russia’s growing military presence in the country and prohibit U.S. exports of crime control materials that Nicolás Maduro can use against pro-democracy protesters. The bills, led by South Florida Democrats Donna Shalala, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, are the first legislative responses to Venezuela’s ongoing humanitarian crisis since the U.S. recognized Juan Guaidó as the country’s legitimate leader in January. The bills were sent to the U.S. Senate without opposition. More…