SESSION WATCH
THE BILL ITSELF

SR 1766

Promoting Stability and Democratic Values in the Western Hemisphere

VERSION S 1766 Filed · BACK TO THE SUMMARY · OFFICIAL RECORD

underlined language is being added; struck language is being deleted. Line numbers are the Legislature's own — the same ones amendments cite.

Florida Senate - 2026 (NP) SR 1766 By Senator Calatayud 38-01839-26 20261766__
1 Senate Resolution
2 A resolution recognizing the importance of the United
3 States’ actions against narco-terrorism, affirming the
4 national security significance of holding Nicolás
5 Maduro accountable, supporting democratic transition
6 in Venezuela, and expressing solidarity with the
7 Venezuelan people.
9 WHEREAS, the United States has formally identified Nicolás
10 Maduro as a narco-terrorist based on allegations of
11 participation in large-scale narcotics trafficking and
12 collaboration with transnational criminal and terrorist
13 organizations, activities that directly threaten the safety,
14 security, and public health of the United States, and
15 WHEREAS, the pursuit and accountability of narco-terrorists
16 is a critical component of United States national security
17 policy and of broader efforts to combat organized crime, illicit
18 drug trafficking, and terrorism, all of which undermine
19 democratic institutions and the rule of law, and
20 WHEREAS, Nicolás Maduro and his regime represented a grave
21 threat to democracy, stability, and human rights in Venezuela
22 and throughout the Western Hemisphere, contributing to political
23 repression, economic collapse, mass displacement, and the
24 erosion of democratic principles, and
25 WHEREAS, the stability of Venezuela is strategically
26 important to the United States and to hemispheric relations,
27 particularly in countering the growing influence of
28 authoritarian regimes and hostile foreign powers, including
29 China, Russia, and Iran, whose involvement in the region
30 undermines democratic governance and the interests of the United
31 States, and
32 WHEREAS, the presence and influence of Cuban officials and
33 security operatives in Venezuela have contributed to the use of
34 repressive tactics, including surveillance, intimidation, and
35 the suppression of political dissent, thereby exacerbating human
36 rights violations and the oppression of the Venezuelan people,
37 and
38 WHEREAS, a necessary and immediate first step in any
39 credible transition to democracy in Venezuela must be the
40 liberation of the nearly 1,000 political prisoners who remain
41 unjustly detained for exercising their fundamental freedoms and
42 opposing authoritarian rule, and
43 WHEREAS, the current moment presents a critical opportunity
44 to advance democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human
45 rights in Venezuela, and to support a peaceful transition that
46 reflects the will of the Venezuelan people, and
47 WHEREAS, the 2024 Venezuelan electoral process demonstrated
48 the determination of democratic forces to pursue change through
49 peaceful means, despite systemic repression and institutional
50 barriers, and
51 WHEREAS, María Corina Machado, a leader of Venezuela’s
52 democratic opposition, has been internationally recognized and
53 was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her principled, peaceful
54 leadership and unwavering commitment to democracy, human rights,
55 and nonviolent political change, and
56 WHEREAS, the State of Florida shares deep cultural,
57 familial, and economic ties with the Venezuelan people, and the
58 restoration of democracy in Venezuela would strengthen
59 prosperity, regional stability, and the enduring bonds between
60 Venezuela and the United States and the State of Florida, NOW,
61 THEREFORE,
63 Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida:
65 That the Florida Senate recognizes the importance of the
66 United States holding narco-terrorists accountable as an
67 essential measure to protect national security and promote
68 stability and democratic values in the Western Hemisphere.
69 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Florida Senate commends
70 President Donald J. Trump for his leadership and decisive
71 actions in confronting narco-terrorism and advancing United
72 States national security interests, and acknowledges the role of
73 Secretary of State Marco Rubio in championing diplomatic efforts
74 in support of democracy and freedom in Venezuela.
75 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Florida Senate also
76 commends President Donald J. Trump for his commitment to a
77 Western Hemisphere in which all nations may finally live in
78 freedom, governed by democratic institutions, respect for human
79 rights, and the rule of law.
80 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Florida Senate denounces
81 foreign interference and repressive practices, including those
82 carried out by Cuban officials in Venezuela, and calls for an
83 end to actions that undermine sovereignty, democracy, and human
84 dignity.
85 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Florida Senate supports the
86 immediate release of all political prisoners in Venezuela as an
87 indispensable first step toward reconciliation, democratic
88 transition, and the restoration of civil liberties.
89 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Florida Senate affirms its
90 solidarity with the Venezuelan people and democratic leadership,
91 including those recognized for peaceful opposition, and supports
92 a transition to democracy which will bring freedom and
93 prosperity to Venezuela while strengthening cultural and
94 economic ties with the United States and the State of Florida.
95 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution, with
96 the Seal of the Senate affixed, be transmitted to the Governor
97 of the State of Florida, the President of the United States, the
98 United States Secretary of State, each member of the Florida
99 delegation to the United States Congress, and appropriate
100 international partners supporting democratic transition in
101 Venezuela as tangible tokens of the sentiments of the Florida
102 Senate.