Bill Summary
The "Venezuela Democratic Transition Strategy Act" mandates the Secretary of State to develop and submit a comprehensive strategy to Congress within 180 days of its enactment. This strategy aims to support a democratic transition in Venezuela and includes several key components:
1. **Diplomatic Efforts**: A description of U.S. diplomatic initiatives designed to facilitate a democratic transition.
2. **Release of Detainees**: A plan to prioritize the release of individuals who have been arbitrarily detained in Venezuela, involving diplomatic engagement and international cooperation.
3. **Curbing Authoritarian Influence**: An outline of efforts to reduce foreign authoritarian influences in Venezuela, particularly from countries like Cuba, Russia, Iran, and China.
4. **Foreign Assistance**: A strategy for utilizing U.S. foreign aid to assist the Venezuelan population, focusing on humanitarian aid, governance, and basic services.
5. **Support for Civil Society**: Initiatives to bolster Venezuelan civil society, including support for independent media, human rights defenders, and other groups promoting democracy and accountability.
Additionally, the Secretary is required to provide an annual report for three years on the implementation and progress of the strategy. The Act also stipulates that the Secretary must consult with Congress semi-annually regarding the strategy and its execution.
Possible Impacts
The "Venezuela Democratic Transition Strategy Act" could affect people in various ways. Here are three examples:
1. **Support for Political Prisoners**: The legislation mandates a plan to prioritize the release of individuals arbitrarily detained in Venezuela. This could directly impact the lives of political prisoners and their families, providing hope and potential for reunification. If the U.S. diplomatic efforts succeed, it could lead to the release of many people who have been wrongfully imprisoned for their political beliefs, thereby restoring their freedoms and rights.
2. **Humanitarian Assistance**: The act outlines a strategy for the use of U.S. foreign assistance, including humanitarian aid to support the Venezuelan people. This could improve access to basic services such as food, healthcare, and education for those suffering from the economic crisis in Venezuela. Individuals and families facing dire conditions may benefit from increased resources and support aimed at alleviating their suffering.
3. **Empowerment of Civil Society**: By supporting Venezuelan civil society, independent media, and human rights defenders, the legislation aims to strengthen democratic institutions and accountability. This could empower citizens to engage more actively in the political process and advocate for their rights, potentially leading to a more participatory and democratic society. As a result, people may gain a stronger voice in governance and an increased ability to challenge abuses and advocate for justice.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7674 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7674
To require the Secretary of State to submit to Congress a strategy to
support a democratic transition in Venezuela, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 25, 2026
Mr. Moskowitz introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Foreign Affairs
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To require the Secretary of State to submit to Congress a strategy to
support a democratic transition in Venezuela, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Venezuela Democratic Transition
Strategy Act''.
SEC. 2. STRATEGY TO SUPPORT A DEMOCRATIC TRANSITION IN VENEZUELA.
(a) Strategy.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit
to the appropriate congressional committees a comprehensive
strategy to support a democratic transition in the Bolivarian
Republic of Venezuela.
(2) Elements.--The strategy required under paragraph (1)
shall include--
(A) a description of United States diplomatic
efforts to support a democratic transition in
Venezuela;
(B) a plan to prioritize the release of all
individuals arbitrarily detained in Venezuela,
including through diplomatic engagement, coordination
with international partners, and support for monitoring
and documenting cases of political detention;
(C) a description of United States efforts to curb
foreign authoritarian influence, including the
influence of the Republic of Cuba, the Russian
Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the
People's Republic of China, within the military,
security services, and Government of Venezuela;
(D) a plan for the use of United States foreign
assistance to support the Venezuelan people, including
humanitarian assistance, democracy and governance
programming, and efforts to strengthen access to basic
services; and
(E) a description of efforts to support Venezuelan
civil society, including independent media, human
rights defenders, independent journalists, and other
nongovernmental actors working to advance democracy,
the rule of law, and accountability for atrocities and
gross violations of internationally recognized human
rights.
(b) Annual Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
submission of the strategy required in subsection (a), and annually
thereafter for 2 years, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate
congressional committees a report describing progress made in
implementing such strategy and any recommended changes to such
strategy.
(c) Congressional Consultation.--The Secretary shall consult with
the appropriate congressional committees on a semi-annual basis
regarding the strategy required in subsection (a) and the
implementation of such strategy.
(d) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.--In this section,
the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' means--
(1) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of
Representatives; and
(2) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.
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