BOLIVAR Act

This bill would stop federal agencies from signing contracts to buy goods or services from any person or company that the government finds knowingly does significant business with the Maduro regime in Venezuela, which the United States does not recognize as legitimate. The Secretary of State must agree with that decision.

• Who is affected: U.S. federal agencies and any potential contractors, including companies and other entities, that do business with the Maduro regime or its agencies .
• What changes: Agencies cannot contract with those entities unless it’s for humanitarian aid, disaster relief, noncombatant evacuations, or if it’s in the U.S. national security interest. Contracts that support U.S. government activities in Venezuela, contracts with international organizations, work tied to U.S. embassies or consulates there, and contracts covered by a valid U.S. Treasury (OFAC) license are also allowed. If certain exceptions are used, the State Department must tell Congress .
• When: These rules would apply to contracts made during the three years after the bill becomes law.
• Flexibility: The Secretary of State may waive the ban if doing so is in the national interest of the United States.