S.37 - Venezuela Advancing Liberty, Opportunity, and Rights Act of 2025; VALOR Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The Venezuela Advancing Liberty, Opportunity, and Rights Act of 2025 (VALOR Act) aims to promote democracy in Venezuela through a combination of sanctions against the Maduro regime and support for democratic actors and the Venezuelan people. The bill outlines specific conditions for determining when a democratically elected government is in power, triggering the termination of sanctions and the provision of assistance. It also addresses issues such as Venezuela's participation in international organizations and the blocking of international support for the current regime.
The Act details various sanctions, including those targeting debt instruments, cryptocurrency, and property of the Venezuelan government. It also mandates reports on licenses authorizing transactions with sanctioned persons and on foreign entities doing business with the Maduro regime. The bill further authorizes support for democratic and human rights groups, international observers, and humanitarian projects in Venezuela.
Finally, the VALOR Act includes provisions for assistance to a free and independent Venezuela, including a plan for providing aid under a democratically elected government and a report on trade and investment relations between the United States and Venezuela.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the VALOR Act would likely increase pressure on the Maduro regime through enhanced sanctions and international isolation. It could also bolster the efforts of pro-democracy groups and provide humanitarian relief to the Venezuelan people. The Act's effectiveness hinges on the ability to enforce sanctions and the willingness of other countries to cooperate.
Passage of this bill could lead to a significant shift in US-Venezuela relations, potentially paving the way for normalized relations and increased economic ties if a democratic transition occurs. The act also sets a precedent for US intervention in other countries struggling with democratic transitions.
However, the Act could also have unintended consequences, such as exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela or alienating potential allies. The success of the Act depends on careful implementation and a nuanced understanding of the complex political dynamics in Venezuela.
Potential Benefits
- Promotes Democracy: Supports free and fair elections and democratic institutions in Venezuela.
- Humanitarian Aid: Provides assistance to the Venezuelan people through independent organizations.
- Holds Regime Accountable: Imposes sanctions on the Maduro regime for human rights abuses and undemocratic practices.
- International Cooperation: Encourages other countries to support a democratic transition in Venezuela.
- Future Economic Ties: Paves the way for normalized trade and investment relations with a democratically elected government.
Potential Disadvantages
- Economic Hardship: Sanctions could worsen the economic crisis in Venezuela, harming ordinary citizens.
- Unintended Consequences: May strengthen the Maduro regime's grip on power or lead to further instability.
- Strained Relations: Could damage relations with countries that continue to support the Maduro regime.
- Implementation Challenges: Enforcing sanctions and ensuring aid reaches the intended recipients could be difficult.
- Potential for Escalation: Increased US involvement could escalate tensions in the region.
Constitutional Alignment
The VALOR Act aligns with the US Constitution in its aim to promote democracy and human rights, reflecting the values enshrined in the Preamble, which seeks to "establish Justice" and "secure the Blessings of Liberty." Congress's role in foreign policy is constitutionally grounded, and the Act's provisions for congressional oversight ensure accountability.
However, the Act's potential for intervention in Venezuela's internal affairs raises questions about respecting the sovereignty of other nations. While the Constitution grants the federal government broad powers in foreign affairs, these powers are not unlimited and must be exercised in accordance with international law and principles of non-intervention.
Furthermore, the Act's sanctions provisions could potentially impact the economic well-being of American citizens and businesses, raising concerns about due process and equal protection under the law. However, these concerns are likely outweighed by the government's legitimate interest in promoting democracy and human rights abroad.
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).