Sponsors (3)
The bill increases U.S. pressure to punish abuses and cut revenue to the Venezuelan regime—strengthening human-rights and policy tools—while risking higher fuel costs, business disruptions and compliance burdens, and greater geopolitical/diplomatic tensions.
All Americans benefit from stronger U.S. pressure on the Maduro regime: the bill cuts U.S. funding/revenue to PDVSA, signals opposition to rights abuses, and better enables targeted sanctions or assistance for victims.
The bill gives Treasury and State faster, clearer enforcement tools and sets a termination condition tied to democratic transition or a fixed date, improving policy effectiveness and predictability for businesses and policymakers.
It raises U.S. awareness of Venezuela’s reported large turnout and opposition victory and documents arrests and abuses, informing potential diplomatic, humanitarian, and policy responses.
Many Americans could face higher fuel prices and some regional supply disruptions if Venezuelan oil exemptions are revoked, increasing pump costs for consumers and operating costs for businesses.
U.S. firms, investors, and employees with Venezuela energy ties may immediately lose contracts and revenue, face operational disruptions, and incur higher legal/compliance costs due to broad bans and strict enforcement.
Tight sanctions, public allegations, and the potential for stronger U.S. measures could escalate geopolitical tensions or prompt retaliatory actions affecting trade and regional stability; meanwhile, presidential waiver authority adds unpredictability and could, in some cases, prolong regime revenue.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Bars U.S. persons and U.S.-organized entities from investing in, trading with, operating in, or providing goods, services, or finance to Venezuela’s energy sector (PDVSA) until specified political conditions or Dec 31, 2027.
Official title: To immediately halt investment by United States persons in the energy sector of Venezuela until the legitimate results of the July 28, 2024, election are respected.
Introduced January 9, 2025 by Debbie Wasserman Schultz · Last progress January 9, 2025
Prohibits U.S. persons and U.S.-organized entities from investing, trading, operating in, or providing goods, services, or financing to Venezuela’s energy sector — specifically targeting PDVSA, its affiliates, and the Maduro regime — effective on enactment. The Treasury Secretary (with State consultation) can issue implementing regulations and use IEEPA authority; violations carry civil and criminal penalties. The ban ends if the Venezuelan leader named in the bill recognizes the July 28, 2024 election result and leaves power, or on December 31, 2027, whichever is earlier. The President may grant narrow, time-limited waivers after notifying Congress.