Summary of HR 268 - STOP MADURO Act

Overview

The STOP MADURO Act, formally known as the Securing Timely Opportunities for Payment and Maximizing Awards for Detaining Unlawful Regime Officials Act of 2025, was introduced in the House of Representatives on January 9, 2025. The bill aims to address issues related to the Venezuelan regime under Nicolás Maduro by establishing mechanisms for the detention of regime officials and providing rewards for their capture.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of the STOP MADURO Act is to enhance U.S. efforts to hold accountable officials of the Maduro regime, which is widely criticized for human rights abuses and corruption. The bill seeks to create a framework that incentivizes the capture and detention of these officials, thereby promoting accountability and supporting democratic movements in Venezuela.

Key Provisions

While the full text of the bill is not provided, the following key provisions can be inferred based on the title and legislative intent:

• Incentives for Detention: The bill likely includes provisions for financial rewards for individuals or entities that successfully detain Maduro regime officials.

• Support for Democratic Movements: The legislation may allocate resources or support for organizations working towards democracy and human rights in Venezuela.

• Coordination with International Partners: The bill may propose collaboration with international allies to enhance the effectiveness of these measures.

Affected Parties

The STOP MADURO Act would primarily affect:

• Venezuelan Regime Officials: Those associated with the Maduro government who are implicated in unlawful activities.

• U.S. Law Enforcement and Intelligence Agencies: These agencies would be tasked with implementing the provisions of the bill, including the management of rewards and coordination with international partners.

• Venezuelan Citizens: The act aims to support Venezuelan citizens by promoting accountability and potentially leading to a change in governance.

Legislative Process

• Introduced: January 9, 2025
• Referred to Committee: The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs for further consideration.

Sponsors

The bill is sponsored by Mario Diaz-Balart and has several cosponsors, including:

• Maria Elvira Salazar
• Pete Stauber
• Andy Harris
• Debbie Wasserman Schultz
• Christopher H. Smith
• Carlos A. Gimenez
• Darren Soto

Related Legislation

The STOP MADURO Act has a companion bill in the Senate, S 39, which may address similar issues and provisions.

Conclusion

The STOP MADURO Act represents a significant legislative effort to confront the Maduro regime and support democratic initiatives in Venezuela. By establishing a framework for the detention of regime officials and incentivizing their capture, the bill aims to promote accountability and human rights in the region. Further developments will depend on the legislative process and discussions within the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.