Sponsors (8)
The bill strengthens U.S. efforts to hold Maduro accountable—using prosecutions, seized assets, and a paid reward to encourage arrests and prosecutions—while risking diplomatic fallout, constraining diplomatic flexibility, reallocating sanctions assets, and concentrating executive decision-making.
U.S. law enforcement actions (prosecutions and about $450M in asset seizures tied to Maduro) show active disruption of alleged criminal networks and reinforce accountability for narcotics trafficking, benefiting U.S. national security and rule-of-law aims.
The U.S. can offer up to $100 million in rewards for information leading to Maduro's arrest and conviction, increasing the likelihood of accountability for alleged criminal and human-rights abuses.
Reward payments are funded from seized or sanctioned assets rather than new appropriations, reducing the need for additional taxpayer funding for the program.
Americans abroad and U.S. diplomatic efforts could face increased risk because repeating and publicizing severe criminal allegations may inflame tensions and complicate negotiations or consular protections.
Emphasizing mandatory-minimum penalties and terrorism allegations against Maduro may limit diplomatic flexibility and constrain noncriminal or negotiated options, complicating U.S. national-security strategy.
Authorizing large, potentially covert or high-profile reward payouts could provoke retaliation, escalate tensions with other countries, or complicate cooperation from foreign partners.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Permits up to $100 million in rewards, funded by liquidated assets seized from Maduro or associates, for information leading to Nicolás Maduro’s arrest and conviction.
Introduced January 9, 2025 by Mario Diaz-Balart · Last progress January 9, 2025
Authorizes the Secretary of State to pay up to $100 million in rewards to one or more individuals whose information directly leads to the arrest and conviction of Nicolás Maduro, with payments limited to funds obtained by liquidating assets already blocked or withheld from Maduro, regime officials, or co‑conspirators under existing sanctions authorities. The measure cites prior U.S. criminal charges and seized assets related to narcotics- and weapons‑related offenses by Maduro and associates as the factual basis for the authorization.