Moskowitz Leads Bipartisan Bill to Support Democratic Transition in Venezuela

WASHINGTON, DC — Seeking to support the Venezuelan people’s pursuit of freedom and democratic governance, Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) introduced the Venezuela Democratic Transition Strategy Act. This bipartisan legislation would require the Secretary of State to submit to Congress a comprehensive strategy to support a democratic transition in Venezuela. Last month, the legislation advanced out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee in an overwhelming bipartisan vote. It now awaits full consideration by the House of Representatives.

The bill mandates that, within 180 days of enactment, the State Department provide Congress with a detailed plan outlining U.S. diplomatic efforts, foreign assistance priorities, and coordination with international partners to help restore democratic governance, secure the release of political prisoners, and counter malign foreign influence inside Venezuela.

Venezuela’s democratic window is closing, and the United States cannot afford to respond with delay or ambiguity. As repression intensifies and hostile foreign actors are looking to take advantage, the Venezuelan people are paying the price and U.S. national security interests are increasingly at stake. This legislation forces a clear, actionable strategy and sustained oversight so America is matching urgency with action.

“In South Florida and across the country, we know the cost of authoritarian rule in Venezuela,” said Congressman Moskowitz. “The Venezuelan people deserve a serious U.S. strategy to support democratic transition and push back against foreign authoritarian influence. This bipartisan bill ensures Congress plays an active role in overseeing that effort and standing firmly with the Venezuelan people.”

The Venezuela Democratic Transition Strategy Act requires the Secretary of State to submit a strategy that includes:

• U.S. diplomatic efforts to support a democratic transition in Venezuela.
• A plan to prioritize the release of all individuals arbitrarily detained, including coordination with international partners and support for monitoring political detentions.
• A strategy to curb foreign authoritarian influence from Cuba, Russia, Iran, and China within Venezuela’s security and government institutions.
• A detailed plan for how U.S. foreign assistance supports the Venezuelan people through humanitarian and democracy programs.
• Efforts to strengthen Venezuelan civil society, including independent media, human rights defenders, and other nongovernmental actors advancing accountability and the rule of law.

Moskowitz is a senior member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, where he leads its Subcommittee on Oversight & Intelligence as Ranking Member. He has been a leading voice in Congress supporting democratic movements and countering authoritarian influence in the Western Hemisphere and beyond.

For more information on the bipartisan Venezuela Democratic Transition Strategy Act, click HERE.