Reply #19: Jose Serrano is one of the few friends Venezuela has in Washington... [View All]

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Serrano Inserts Language into Omnibus Bill Report that Calls for Accountability from the NED

...In this spirit, Congressman Serrano has been raising questions about the activities of the National Endowment for Democracy in Venezuela for some time, and has added language to the explanatory statement of conferees on the recent omnibus bill that states that “The conference agreement adopts by reference, House report language reaffirming NED's duty to ensure that all sponsored activities adhere to core NED principles and requiring a report on NED activities in Venezuela.” The report language referred to states: “The Committee reaffirms the role that NED plays in strengthening democratic institutions around the world. Any perception that funds are used to directly support a particular party or candidate, or to support the removal of elected leaders through unconstitutional means, undermines the credibility and effectiveness of NED programs. The Committee expects NED to take all necessary measures to ensure that all sponsored activities adhere to the core NED principles. The Committee directs NED to provide the Committee with a comprehensive report on its activities in Venezuela from fiscal year 2001 through the present...” Congressman Serrano was able to insert this language into the Committee report as the ranking Democrat of the Commerce, Justice, and State Appropriations Subcommittee.

“I am committed to holding this administration accountable, and making sure that we uphold the highest standards of respect for democracy and democratic institutions when we engage with other nations,” said Serrano. “Many questions have been swirling about this administration’s actions in Venezuela, and these recently released documents only raise more. It is time that we get to the bottom of what really happened there, and I will continue to make sure that we do.”

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ny16_serrano/041208Venezuela.html