H.R.328 - Revoke Exemptions for Venezuelan Oil to Curb Autocratic Repression Act of 2025; REVOCAR Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.328, the REVOCAR Act of 2025, aims to halt US investment in Venezuela's energy sector until the results of the July 28, 2024, election are respected. The bill targets transactions with Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA) and the Maduro regime. It grants the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the authority to implement and enforce these prohibitions, with potential penalties under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
Expected Effects
The bill would prohibit US persons and entities from investing, trading, or operating in Venezuela's energy sector. This could significantly impact Venezuela's economy and potentially pressure the Maduro regime to recognize the election results. The prohibitions would terminate if Maduro recognizes the election results or on December 31, 2027, with a waiver option for national security interests.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially promotes democracy and human rights in Venezuela by pressuring the Maduro regime.
- May deter other autocratic regimes from undermining democratic processes.
- Could strengthen the US's international standing as a defender of democracy.
- May reduce financial resources available to the Maduro regime, limiting its ability to repress the Venezuelan people.
- Could incentivize a peaceful transition of power in Venezuela.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could negatively impact US companies currently operating in Venezuela's energy sector.
- May exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela if the economy further deteriorates.
- Could strain diplomatic relations with Venezuela and potentially other countries.
- May lead to increased energy prices if Venezuelan oil supply is reduced.
- Could be seen as an overreach of US power and interference in another country's internal affairs.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the US Constitution is based on the powers granted to Congress to regulate foreign commerce and conduct foreign policy (Article I, Section 8). The bill also invokes the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which has been constitutionally upheld as a valid delegation of power to the executive branch in times of national emergency. The First Amendment implications regarding freedom of association and economic activity are potentially implicated but are balanced against the foreign policy objectives.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).