Lawmakers want Venezuela named a state sponsor of terrorism

A bipartisan pair of lawmakers introduced a resolution on Wednesday to classify Venezuela as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Rep. Ron Klein (D-Fla.), a member of the Foreign Affairs committee, and Rep. Connie Mack (R-Fla.), the ranking member of the Western Hemisphere subcommittee, joined together to float a bill calling on Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to add Venezuela to the list of states which sponsor terrorism.

The resolution, H.Res.872, cites the Venezuelan government's ties to Iran, Hezbollah, and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia (FARC) as examples of the South American nation's support for terrorism.

"The evidence linking Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez to the FARC and Hezbollah – two of the most dangerous terrorist organizations, responsible for many bombings, kidnappings, killings and drug trafficking – is overwhelming," Mack said in a statement announcing the resolution.

"Naming Venezuela a state sponsor of terrorism will strengthen the stability of the region," the Florida Republican, who has long been a vocal critic of Chavez, added. "The Administration must not turn a blind eye to Chavez’s dangerous aggression and must add Venezuela to the state sponsors of terrorism list without delay.”

"Venezuela’s assistance to the FARC in Colombia destabilizes the region and places the Chavez regime squarely outside the international community," Klein said. "This legislation seeks to stop Venezuela’s facilitation of terrorism now. The United States cannot and will not accept such actions taking place so close to home.”

The resolution was referred to the Foreign Affairs committee for consideration.

---