This bill imposes sanctions on the Venezuelan government and its supporters, including blocking property and restricting U.S. assistance to countries aiding Venezuela. It authorizes support for democracy efforts and requires a plan for humanitarian aid once a democratic government takes power. Sanctions end when Venezuela meets democratic criteria.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill imposes sanctions on the Venezuelan government and its supporters, including blocking property and restricting U.S. assistance to countries aiding Venezuela. It authorizes support for democracy efforts and requires a plan for humanitarian aid once a democratic government takes power. Sanctions end when Venezuela meets democratic criteria.
Last updated: 1/5/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Venezuela Advancing Liberty, Opportunity, and Rights Act of 2025 or the VALOR Act of 2025</strong></p><p>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.</p><p>Under the bill, the President</p><ul><li>must impose property-blocking sanctions on the Venezuelan government and persons supporting the Venezuelan government;</li><li>may deny U.S. nonhumanitarian foreign assistance, arms-related assistance, and debt forgiveness to any country that provides assistance to the Venezuelan government;</li><li>may provide support to individuals and independent nongovernmental organizations to support democracy-building efforts in Venezuela;</li><li>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;</li><li>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).</li></ul><p>The Department of the Treasury must oppose the seating of Venezuelan representatives at certain international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund.</p><p>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. </p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Imposes property-blocking sanctions on Venezuelan government
Restricts aid to countries supporting Venezuela
Authorizes democracy-building support
Plans humanitarian assistance for post-transition
Prohibits transactions with Venezuelan digital currency
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
The current Venezuelan government would face comprehensive U.S. sanctions targeting its finances and international support. Democracy advocates in Venezuela could receive U.S. support. The bill provides a roadmap for normalizing relations once democratic elections occur and human rights improve.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
International Affairs
Related Subjects
Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Business investment and capital
Civil actions and liability
Congressional oversight
Currency
Department of the Treasury
Digital media
Food assistance and relief
Foreign aid and international relief
Foreign and international banking
+9 more
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
37, 119th Congress (2025). "VALOR Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-37