Venezuela Democratic Transition Strategy

Full Title:
Venezuela Democratic Transition Strategy Act

Summary#

This bill requires the Secretary of State to give Congress a written strategy to support a democratic transition in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The strategy must be submitted within 180 days of enactment and must describe U.S. diplomatic efforts, plans to prioritize release of people arbitrarily detained, actions to curb foreign authoritarian influence (including influence from Cuba, Russia, Iran, and China) in Venezuela's military and government, a plan for use of U.S. foreign assistance (humanitarian, democracy and governance, and basic services), and steps to support Venezuelan civil society such as independent media, human rights defenders, and journalists. The Secretary must report on progress one year after the strategy is submitted and annually for two more years, and must consult with the House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations Committees every six months.

What it means for you#

  • The Department of State would create and share a detailed plan about how the United States would try to support a democratic change in Venezuela.
  • The plan would aim to help people detained for political reasons, limit the role of certain foreign governments in Venezuela's security forces, provide humanitarian and democracy-related assistance, and support independent civil society groups.
  • Congress would receive the initial strategy within 180 days, a progress report after one year, and two more annual reports, and would be consulted twice a year.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on specific costs or funding authorizations is included in the bill text. The bill does not itself authorize or appropriate funds.

Proponents' View#

The bill text directs the Secretary of State to prepare a comprehensive strategy focused on diplomatic engagement, detainee release, limiting foreign authoritarian influence, foreign assistance to the Venezuelan people, and support for civil society. Supporters would point to these required elements as the bill's purpose.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information on opponents' positions or objections is included in the bill text or provided metadata.