Sixteen Democratic lawmakers, among them rising star Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, on Thursday sent a joint letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticizing what they described as "counterproductive" US strategy on crisis-hit Venezuela.
"We write to express our deep concern regarding the Trump Administration's handling of relations with Venezuela, particularly its suggestions of military intervention, imposition of broad unilateral sanctions, and recent recognition of an opposition leader as interim president," the legislators wrote.
They warned recent sanctions could "exacerbate the country's grave economic crisis, causing immense suffering for the most vulnerable in society who bear no responsibility for the situation."
The lawmakers also strongly condemned Maduro for his repression of the country's civil society, economic failure, killing of unarmed protesters, holding illegitimate elections and blocking humanitarian aid...
Along with Ocasio-Cortez, lawmakers who signed included representatives Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, Ayanna Pressley and presidential hopeful Tulsi Gabbard.