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VALOR Act of 2025

2/6/2025, 3:43 PM

Summary of Bill S 37

Bill 119 s 37, also known as the "Promoting Democracy in Venezuela Act," is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of supporting democracy in Venezuela. The bill outlines various measures to address the political and humanitarian crisis in the country.

One of the key provisions of the bill is the imposition of sanctions on individuals and entities that are involved in human rights abuses, corruption, or undermining democracy in Venezuela. These sanctions may include asset freezes, travel bans, and restrictions on financial transactions.

The bill also calls for increased support for civil society organizations, independent media, and human rights defenders in Venezuela. This support may include funding for programs that promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in the country. Additionally, the bill directs the US government to work with international partners to address the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, including providing assistance to Venezuelan refugees and supporting efforts to restore democracy in the country. Overall, Bill 119 s 37 aims to promote democracy and human rights in Venezuela through targeted sanctions, support for civil society organizations, and international cooperation. It reflects the US government's commitment to addressing the ongoing crisis in Venezuela and supporting the Venezuelan people in their quest for democracy and freedom.

Congressional Summary of S 37

Venezuela Advancing Liberty, Opportunity, and Rights Act of 2025 or the VALOR Act of 2025

This bill requires or authorizes various actions, including sanctions, targeting the current government of Venezuela and any nondemocratic successor government. The bill also authorizes certain types of assistance for the people of Venezuela and to support democracy-building efforts.

Under the bill, the President

  • must impose property-blocking sanctions on the Venezuelan government and persons supporting the Venezuelan government;
  • may deny U.S. nonhumanitarian foreign assistance, arms-related assistance, and debt forgiveness to any country that provides assistance to the Venezuelan government;
  • may provide support to individuals and independent nongovernmental organizations to support democracy-building efforts in Venezuela;
  • must develop a plan to provide assistance to Venezuela under a democratically elected government, which may include food, medicine, and emergency energy assistance to meet the basic needs of Venezuelans;
  • must take steps to terminate sanctions under this bill once the President determines that a democratically elected government is in power (criteria for such a determination include a Venezuelan government that is the result of free and fair elections, is making progress in establishing an independent judiciary and respecting human rights, and has released all political prisoners).

The Department of the Treasury must oppose the seating of Venezuelan representatives at certain international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund.

Additionally, the bill prohibits U.S. persons (individuals or entities) from engaging in transactions involving Venezuela's debt or any digital currency issued by Venezuela. 

Current Status of Bill S 37

Bill S 37 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 8, 2025. Bill S 37 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on January 8, 2025.  Bill S 37's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. as of January 8, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 37

Total Number of Sponsors
5
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
5
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
13
Democrat Cosponsors
2
Republican Cosponsors
11
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 37

Primary Policy Focus

International Affairs

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 37

A bill to promote democracy in Venezuela, and for other purposes.
A bill to promote democracy in Venezuela, and for other purposes.

Comments

Anna Reese profile image

Anna Reese

379

10 months ago

This bill is gonna mess up everything for us regular folks. It's just gonna make things harder for people like me. Can't believe they're really gonna pass this crap. #disappointed