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S 261

An Act regulating alternative healing therapies

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mark Montigny

S. 261 would halt all U.S. investments in Venezuela's energy sector.

Accompanied a study order, see S2667
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 261

Summary of S. 261 — Halt All United States Investments in Venezuela’s Energy Sector Act of 2025

Status: Introduced in the Senate
- Introduced: January 27, 2025
- Primary sponsor: Senator Richard J. Durbin
- Legislative actions: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs (2025-01-27); introduced in the Senate (2025-01-27)
- Short title: The Act may be cited as the Halt All United States Investments in Venezuela’s Energy Sector Act of 2025

Purpose and Intent

  • Based on the bill’s title, S. 261 seeks to halt all United States investments in Venezuela’s energy sector. The available text confirms the act’s short title and objective to restrict U.S. investment activity related to Venezuela’s energy industry. The broader policy goals (e.g., alignment with sanctions, leverage for diplomatic or human-rights concerns) are not detailed in the provided information.

Key Provisions (as of available information)

  • The exact statutory text and substantive provisions are not provided in the material available here. Therefore, specific prohibitions, definitions, exemptions, enforcement mechanisms, or penalties are not disclosed.
  • The bill’s title implies prohibiting U.S. persons from making investments in Venezuela’s energy sector, which could encompass:
    • Prohibitions on new investments and financing
    • Potential divestment or wind-down requirements for existing holdings
    • Reporting or compliance requirements for financial institutions and businesses
    • Possible enforcement provisions and penalties
  • Without the full text, these provisions remain speculative and should be confirmed when the bill’s full language is released.

Who Would Be Affected

  • U.S. persons and entities engaged in investment or financing activities related to Venezuela’s energy sector.
  • Financial institutions, banks, and investment firms that hold or manage assets tied to Venezuela’s energy sector.
  • Venezuelan energy sector entities and projects could experience reduced or curtailed access to U.S. capital.
  • Federal agencies responsible for enforcement (e.g., Treasury/OFAC-type authorities) would likely oversee compliance, pending statutory text.

Timelines and Procedural Aspects

  • Introduction: January 27, 2025
  • Referral: Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
  • Next steps: If the committee examines, amends, and advances the bill, it could move to the Senate floor for debate and potential passage. If not advanced, the bill could stall or die in committee.

Additional Notes

  • The Act is introduced with a clear citation in the short title, but the specific provisions, definitions, exemptions, and enforcement details are not included in the provided excerpt.
  • The sponsor listed is Senator Durbin (primary). No co-sponsors or companion House measures are indicated here.

What to Expect Next

  • Release of the full statutory text to clarify prohibitions, scope, definitions (e.g., “investment,” “energy sector,” geographic coverage), exceptions, enforcement mechanisms, penalties, and effective dates.
  • Committee hearings or markups that would refine the bill and address stakeholder concerns.
  • Further legislative action could follow based on committee reports and Senate floor considerations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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