Venezuela Democratic Transition Strategy Act
Summary
H.R. 7674 would require the Secretary of State to submit a comprehensive strategy to Congress for supporting a democratic transition in Venezuela. If enacted, the bill would direct the State Department to develop this strategy within 180 days and submit annual progress reports for two years thereafter.
The required strategy would address several key areas: U.S. diplomatic efforts to support democratic change, plans to secure the release of arbitrarily detained individuals through diplomatic engagement and international coordination, efforts to counter foreign authoritarian influence from Cuba, Russia, Iran, and China within Venezuela's military and government, use of foreign assistance for humanitarian aid and democracy programs, and support for Venezuelan civil society including independent media and human rights defenders. The Secretary of State would also consult with Congress on a semi-annual basis regarding the strategy's implementation.
This bill has passed committee review and is now eligible for a floor vote in the House. If approved by both chambers and signed by the President, it would establish a formal U.S. policy framework for addressing Venezuela's political situation, though the actual impact would depend on how the State Department implements the required strategy.
