What does Preamble of Venezuela Democratic Transition Act do?

This bill requires the Secretary of State to develop a strategy for supporting free and fair elections in Venezuela. The bill also aims to impose sanctions on individuals complicit in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights in Venezuela. The bill's stated purpose is 'for other purposes' beyond these two main points.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Venezuela Democratic Transition Act do?

This bill is formally titled the 'Venezuela Democratic Transition Act'.

What does FINDINGS; SENSE OF CONGRESS. of Venezuela Democratic Transition Act do?

This section expresses findings regarding Venezuelan elections. Congress finds the December 6, 2020, and May 25, 2025, parliamentary elections, and the July 28, 2024, presidential election in Venezuela were fraudulent and violated standards. The section states that Nicolas Maduro's regime falsely claimed victory in the 2024 election and intensified repression. Congress asserts that Maduro lost the 2024 election and his regime lacks legitimacy. It is the sense of Congress that the United States should recognize Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia as Venezuela's legitimate President-elect. The section encourages support for the democratic opposition in Venezuela. Congress believes the United States should facilitate free and fair presidential elections in 2026. Any energy agreements with Venezuela should be made in consultation with the democratic opposition movement, according to Congress.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Venezuela Democratic Transition Act do?

This section defines terms used throughout the Act. The terms 'admission,' 'admitted,' and 'alien' are defined by reference to section 101 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. “Appropriate congressional committees” are specifically listed as committees within the Senate and House of Representatives. “Gross violations of internationally recognized human rights” is defined by reference to section 502B(d) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. “United States person” includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, entities organized under U.S. laws, and persons located in the U.S. “Venezuelan person” includes citizens or nationals of Venezuela, and entities organized under Venezuelan laws or subject to the Venezuelan government’s jurisdiction.

What does STRATEGY FOR SUPPORTING FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS IN VENEZUELA. of Venezuela Democratic Transition Act do?

This section requires the Secretary of State to develop and submit a strategy to Congress for supporting free and fair elections in Venezuela. The strategy must update the Democratic Transition Framework for Venezuela, incorporating input from congressional committees. The strategy aims to facilitate a presidential election in Venezuela in 2026 that meets international standards. The strategy seeks to end the Maduro-Rodriguez regime's control, restore democracy and the rule of law, and free political prisoners. It also aims to facilitate humanitarian assistance to the Venezuelan people. The strategy must outline benchmarks for a democratic transition and assess Venezuelan government institutions and repressive practices. It outlines next steps including coordinating international sanctions, closing torture centers, and ensuring the military respects election results. The strategy requires monthly reporting to congressional committees on the transition to democracy, including monitoring energy negotiations and tracking progress toward benchmarks.

What does IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS WITH RESPECT TO HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS of Venezuela Democratic Transition Act do?

This section establishes sanctions against Venezuelan persons determined by the President to be complicit in gross human rights violations. Sanctions include blocking property within the United States or under the control of U.S. persons, and ineligibility for U.S. visas, admission, or parole. Exceptions exist for the importation of goods, compliance with the United Nations Headquarters Agreement, law enforcement activities, and authorized intelligence activities. The President may waive sanctions based on national security interests, humanitarian purposes (including agricultural commodities, food, medicine, and medical devices), or upon certification of a democratic transition in Venezuela. Violations of this section are subject to penalties under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

Back to bills

Venezuela Democratic Transition Act

Last updated: 6/17/2026 · Introduced: 6/17/2026

Author: Timothy Kaine (D-VA)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill mandates the Secretary of State to develop a strategy for supporting free and fair elections in Venezuela, with a goal of facilitating a 2026 presidential election meeting international standards.
It authorizes sanctions against Venezuelan individuals determined to be complicit in gross human rights violations, including blocking assets and denying U.S. visas.
Congress expresses its belief that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia is Venezuela's legitimate President-elect and encourages the United States to recognize him.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

Verified Votes

No verified votes yet.

Community Votes

No community votes yet. Be the first!

Voting as guest · Sign in for verified votes

Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 4 more.

6 sections

Click "Show details" to explore individual sections. Use the community vote above or visit All Sections to vote per section.

Read official text

Want the full experience?

Create a free account to cast verified votes on each section, get a personalized summary, and track your voting history.

Create Free Account