S.39 - Securing Timely Opportunities for Payment and Maximizing Awards for Detaining Unlawful Regime Officials Act of 2025; STOP MADURO Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The STOP MADURO Act aims to increase the maximum reward amount to $100,000,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Nicolas Maduro Moros. The reward would be funded by assets seized from Maduro, his regime officials, and their co-conspirators. The bill references previous charges brought against Maduro for narco-terrorism and related crimes.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this act could incentivize individuals with knowledge of Maduro's activities to come forward, potentially leading to his arrest and conviction. The seizure and liquidation of assets could also provide funds for the reward and potentially other uses determined by the US government.
Potential Benefits
- Increased likelihood of bringing Maduro to justice: The substantial reward may motivate individuals to provide critical information.
- Deters similar criminal activity: Sending a strong message against narco-terrorism and corruption.
- Potential recovery of assets: Liquidated assets could be used for other purposes, such as humanitarian aid or further law enforcement efforts.
- Strengthened national security: By targeting individuals involved in narco-terrorism, the act aims to protect the US from related threats.
- Supports the rule of law: Reinforces the US commitment to combating international crime and holding individuals accountable.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for false information: The large reward could incentivize individuals to provide false or misleading information.
- Strained diplomatic relations: The act could further strain relations with Venezuela and other countries.
- Risk of unintended consequences: The act could destabilize the region or lead to unintended political repercussions.
- Limited impact: The act may not be effective if individuals are unwilling to come forward due to fear or other reasons.
- Asset liquidation challenges: Difficulty in locating and liquidating assets could hinder the payment of the reward.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's focus on combating narco-terrorism and holding individuals accountable aligns with the government's responsibility to provide for the common defense and ensure domestic tranquility, as stated in the Preamble of the US Constitution. The act's provisions for asset forfeiture are subject to due process requirements under the Fifth Amendment. The power of Congress to enact this bill falls under Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to define and punish offenses against the law of nations.
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).