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Bill

S 3621

Protecting Taxpayers from Risky Investments in Venezuela Act

119th Congress Introduced by Angela Alsobrooks and 6 co-sponsors

Prohibits federal employees' retirement funds from investing in Venezuelan securities or entities to enforce U.S. sanctions policy.

Introduced in Senate
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 3621

Legislative bill overview

S. 3621 would prohibit U.S. federal employees' retirement funds (including those managed through the Federal Employees Retirement System and Thrift Savings Plan) from investing in Venezuelan securities, companies, or financial instruments. The bill aims to prevent taxpayer-funded retirement accounts from supporting the Venezuelan government or entities under U.S. sanctions.

Why is this important

The Thrift Savings Plan manages over $800 billion in federal employee retirement savings. Venezuela faces extensive U.S. sanctions due to concerns about authoritarianism and human rights violations, making investment restrictions a policy tool to enforce diplomatic pressure. This bill directly affects millions of federal employees' retirement portfolio options and reflects broader debates about sanctions enforcement mechanisms.

Potential points of contention

  • Investment freedom vs. policy enforcement: Federal employees may argue restrictions limit their retirement fund diversification and potential returns, while sponsors argue sanctions compliance is a civic responsibility
  • Scope and definition: Ambiguity about what constitutes "Venezuelan" investments (subsidiaries, indirect holdings, etc.) could create compliance challenges and litigation
  • Effectiveness debate: Critics question whether restricting relatively small U.S. federal pension investments meaningfully impacts Venezuela policy, while proponents see it as principle-based sanctions enforcement

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

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