US Congress urges bipartisan democratic reforms for Venezuela

Lawmakers in Washington convened a bipartisan hearing of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, pressing the Venezuelan government to undertake a genuine democratic transition. Participants urged deep institutional changes, including a comprehensive overhaul of the National Electoral Council, guarantees of judicial independence, and the restoration of political rights for opposition parties.

The U.S. State Department simultaneously warned American citizens to leave Venezuela immediately because of armed militia checkpoints. Analysts note that the United States is recalibrating its Venezuela strategy, emphasizing national security, trade and economic prosperity while maintaining pressure for democratic change.

Both articles highlight the growing consensus in the U.S. Congress and among human‑rights groups that any future roadmap for Venezuela must be anchored in real reforms rather than superficial openings.