Press Releases

Washington DC — U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) released the following statement today after the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded its 2025 Peace Prize to María Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader whose democratic resistance against an authoritarian regime inspires the world: 

"Without democracy, peace and prosperity are an impossibility.  As authoritarianism rises all around us, María Corina Machado's brave fight against tyranny shines a guiding light for all of us who challenge injustice, violence, and threats to democracy. For years, she has fearlessly confronted the murderous Maduro regime and given voice to the Venezuelan people’s demands for the restoration of the rule of law, a free press, and fair and transparent elections. Her dedication to peace in the midst of Maduro’s brutality is an inspiration to Venezuelans and all who fight these same threats, even here in America. I’ve been honored to meet with María Corina and work alongside her to protect human rights for all Venezuelans—including Venezuelan Americans. The Nobel committee rightly recognized Machado's fight for peace. No one is more deserving."