BOLIVAR Act

Banning Operations and Leases with the Illegitimate Venezuelan Authoritarian Regime Act or the BOLIVAR Act

This bill temporarily prohibits an executive agency from entering into a contract for the procurement of goods or services with any person that it determines, with the concurrence of the Department of State, knowingly engages in significant business operations with the Maduro regime in Venezuela.

The bill lists exceptions, including where vital to U.S. national security or as necessary for purposes of providing humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and other urgent lifesaving measures, or to carry out noncombatant evacuations.

The prohibition shall not apply to contracts that support U.S. government activities in Venezuela or to contracts with international organizations.

The State Department may waive the requirements of this bill upon determining that to do so is in the national interest.

The BOLIVAR Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 825, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to address the ongoing political and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela.

The BOLIVAR Act aims to increase pressure on the Venezuelan government by imposing additional sanctions on individuals and entities that are involved in corruption, human rights abuses, and undermining democracy in Venezuela. These sanctions could include asset freezes, travel bans, and restrictions on financial transactions.

Additionally, the BOLIVAR Act seeks to provide support to the Venezuelan people by authorizing humanitarian assistance and promoting free and fair elections in the country. This could involve providing aid to Venezuelan refugees, supporting civil society organizations, and working with international partners to monitor and support democratic processes in Venezuela. Overall, the BOLIVAR Act is a bipartisan effort to address the crisis in Venezuela and hold accountable those responsible for the deteriorating situation in the country. It reflects the US government's commitment to promoting democracy, human rights, and stability in the region.