Sponsors (2)
The resolution increases U.S. support and diplomatic pressure for democratic change in Venezuela to bolster regional stability, while risking heightened geopolitical tensions and reduced diplomatic/humanitarian engagement options.
Taxpayers and U.S. regional security: U.S. policy support for a democratic Venezuela could strengthen hemispheric stability and reduce influence from adversarial states, potentially lowering security risks to the United States.
Venezuelan opposition and immigrants: An official U.S. expression of support for democratic elections signals backing for opposition figures and increases diplomatic pressure for free and fair elections.
State governments, taxpayers, and people needing aid: Framing the Maduro-Rodríguez government as illegitimate may reduce diplomatic options and complicate U.S. engagement or humanitarian coordination on the ground in Venezuela.
Taxpayers and U.S. economic interests: Even nonbinding statements could heighten geopolitical tensions with China, Iran, and Cuba, risking diplomatic or economic fallout that could affect trade and American taxpayers.
Based on analysis of 1 section of legislative text.
Makes a nonbinding congressional finding that Venezuelan leaders should be chosen by free elections, affirms opposition support, and declares the Maduro government lacks legitimacy; calls for a Venezuela free of influence from China, Iran, and Cuba.
Official title: Expressing the sense of the Senate in support of general elections in Venezuela.
Introduced April 30, 2026 by Timothy Michael Kaine · Last progress April 30, 2026
Expresses nonbinding findings and U.S. policy preferences about Venezuela: it says Venezuelan leaders should be chosen by free, fair elections, asserts a clear majority supports the democratic opposition led by María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia, declares the Maduro-Rodríguez regime lacks legitimacy and popular support, and states it is in the U.S. national interest to have a democratic Venezuela free of influence from China, Iran, and Cuba. The resolution is a statement of Congress's view rather than a legally binding change in policy or law.