S.Amdt. 6297

SA 6297, submitted by Mr. Kaine, aims to add a new subtitle called the Venezuela Democratic Transition Act to bill S. 4784. The purpose of this amendment is to establish a U.S. strategy to support a democratic transition in Venezuela and to penalize those responsible for human rights violations.

Key Objectives

• Democratic Support: The amendment expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. should recognize Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia as the legitimate President-elect, support the democratic opposition, and help facilitate free and fair elections in 2026.

• Strategic Requirements: It requires the Secretary of State to create a strategy to:

  • End the Maduro-Rodriguez regime's usurpation of power.
  • Restore the rule of law and democracy.
  • Free political prisoners and prisoners of conscience.
  • Ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid.
  • Coordinate international sanctions and close torture centers.

• Accountability and Sanctions: The amendment mandates that the President impose sanctions on Venezuelan persons complicit in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights. These sanctions include:

  • Blocking property and interests in property within the U.S. or controlled by U.S. persons.
  • Making such individuals ineligible for visas, admission, or parole into the United States.

• Restrictions and Oversight: It states that energy agreements with Venezuela should only be made after consulting with the democratic opposition movement and requires monthly reporting to specific congressional committees regarding the transition to democracy.