Venezuela Democratic Transition Strategy Act

This Act may be cited as the Venezuela Democratic Transition Strategy Act.

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a comprehensive strategy to support a democratic transition in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

The strategy required under paragraph (1) shall include—

(A) a description of United States diplomatic efforts to support a democratic transition in Venezuela;

(B) a plan to prioritize the release of all individuals arbitrarily detained in Venezuela, including through diplomatic engagement, coordination with international partners, and support for monitoring and documenting cases of political detention;

(C) a description of United States efforts to curb foreign authoritarian influence, including the influence of the Republic of Cuba, the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the People’s Republic of China, within the military, security services, and Government of Venezuela;

(D) a plan for the use of United States foreign assistance to support the Venezuelan people, including humanitarian assistance, democracy and governance programming, and efforts to strengthen access to basic services; and

(E) a description of efforts to support Venezuelan civil society, including independent media, human rights defenders, independent journalists, and other nongovernmental actors working to advance democracy, the rule of law, and accountability for atrocities and gross violations of internationally recognized human rights.

Not later than 1 year after the date of the submission of the strategy required in subsection (a), and annually thereafter for 2 years, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report describing progress made in implementing such strategy and any recommended changes to such strategy.

The Secretary shall consult with the appropriate congressional committees on a semi-annual basis regarding the strategy required in subsection (a) and the implementation of such strategy.

In this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means—

(1) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives; and

(2) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.