Connie Mack Asks Obama, Clinton, Pelosi and Reid to List Hugo Chavez's Venezuela as Sponsor of Terrorism

A day after writing to Hugo Chavez that he intended to continue the fight for the American government to list Venezuela as a state sponsor of terrorism, Republican U.S. Rep. Connie Mack of Florida did just that, sending a letter to President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

I write to you today to urge you to immediately finalize the steps required to designate Venezuela as a state sponsor of terrorism, wrote Mack. Hugo Chavez has politically, materially and diplomatically supported international terrorist groups, threatening the freedom, security and prosperity of the United States and our allies. We must stop all interaction with the tyrannical regime of Mr. Hugo Chavez.

As a beacon of freedom, the United States must stand firm against those who harbor terrorists, threaten our allies, and rebuke the freedoms we are committed to protect, continued Mack. Hugo Chavezs solidarity with internationally recognized terrorist groups, such as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), endangers stability in the region and prompts national security concerns for our nation.

Securing the Western Hemisphere begins with condemning those who undermine freedom, wrote Mack. Chavezs efforts to derail our allies and support terrorist activity fly in the face of democratic values. As protectors of freedom, it is our responsibility to keep our nation safe by opposing those who challenge it.

Mack closed with the demand that action be taken against Venezuela immediately.

It is time for us to stand behind freedom by placing Venezuela on the list of state sponsors of terrorism, he concluded. I request your urgent action addressing this matter of national security, and look forward to your prompt reply.