Bill · H.R. 7038· House(119-HR-7038)
Protecting Taxpayers from Risky Investments in Venezuela Act
- Introduced
- 1/13/2026
- Last activity
- 1/13/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Mike Levin
- Cosponsors
- - 22 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Protecting Taxpayers from Risky Investments in Venezuela Act," seeks to stop the United States Government from spending money on Venezuela's oil and petroleum sector. It prohibits federal funds from being used to finance, subsidize, or support the development, maintenance, or expansion of oil infrastructure in Venezuela. This includes restrictions on purchasing real property, providing insurance or loan guarantees, and making payments to corporations or individuals. The ban also covers any promotion of Venezuela's oil sector by U.S. government officials. An exception is allowed if a future Act of Congress explicitly authorizes the expenditure. Finally, the Secretary of State must submit annual reports to specific congressional committees to ensure compliance.
Yes
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+4
The bill mandates annual reports from the Secretary of State to congressional committees regarding expenditures related to Venezuela's oil sector.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?+3
The bill prohibits the use of federal funds to finance, subsidize, or insure Venezuela's oil and petroleum infrastructure.
Does this reduce how much oil, gas and coal is produced?+2
The bill seeks to halt the expansion and maintenance of oil infrastructure in Venezuela through the denial of U.s. federal funding.
The opposite
Does this send more money or help to other countries?-5
The bill restricts the flow of U.S. financial support and economic assistance to Venezuela's energy sector.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?-1
The restriction on oil infrastructure funding may negatively impact economic activity associated with the petroleum sector.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Protection of Federal Funds: The bill aims to prevent the use of taxpayer money for the development, maintenance, or expansion of oil and gas infrastructure in Venezuela (Section 3(a)). This could prevent funds from being used for construction, modernization, or repairs of such infrastructure (Section 3(a)(1)).
-
Prevention of Financial Risks: By prohibiting insurance costs, loan guarantees, and tax incentives related to Venezuela's petroleum sector, the bill limits the government's financial involvement in these areas (Section 3(a)(3)).
-
Accountability and Oversight: The bill requires the Secretary of State to submit an annual report to appropriate congressional committees describing any related expenditures and certifying that the law is being followed (Section 4).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are detailed within the text provided.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Increases Foreign Aid-5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+4
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Reduces Fossil Fuel Production+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents-1
- 2/2/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 1/22/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/21/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/15/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 1/14/2026
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- 1/13/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 12 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
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