Bill > S4993

This bill aims 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. The bill cites findings that the opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez received more than two-thirds of the votes against the regime of Nicolas Maduro, who has refused to respect the will of the Venezuelan people and has arrested and abused thousands of citizens for peaceful political participation. The bill grants the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the authority to implement and enforce this prohibition, including through the use of powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The prohibition would remain in place until the President determines that the Maduro regime has recognized the election victory of Edmundo Gonzalez and relinquished power to the legitimately elected government.