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HR 7674

Venezuela Democratic Transition Strategy Act

119th Congress Introduced by Don Bacon and 1 co-sponsor

The bill directs the U.S. to develop a comprehensive strategy to promote a democratic transition in Venezuela, including humanitarian aid, civil society support, and countering for

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
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Bill Summary · HR 7674

Summary of H.R. 7674 – Venezuela Democratic Transition Strategy Act

Jurisdiction: United States Congress (House), 119th Congress, 2nd Session
Date Introduced: February 25, 2026
Status: Reported by the House Foreign Affairs Committee (as of March 26, 2026)

1) Purpose and intent

  • The bill, titled the Venezuela Democratic Transition Strategy Act, directs the Secretary of State to develop and submit a comprehensive strategy to support a democratic transition in Venezuela.
  • The strategy aims to promote democracy, governance, and respect for human rights in Venezuela, while coordinating with international partners and mitigating foreign influence on the Venezuelan government.

2) Key provisions and changes proposed

A. Strategy development (Section 2(a))

  • The Secretary of State must submit a comprehensive strategy to the appropriate congressional committees within 180 days of enactment.
  • Required elements of the strategy:
    • (A) Description of U.S. diplomatic efforts to support a democratic transition in Venezuela.
    • (B) Plan to prioritize the release of all individuals arbitrarily detained in Venezuela, including:
    • Diplomatic engagement
    • Coordination with international partners
    • Support for monitoring and documenting cases of political detention
    • (C) Description of U.S. efforts to curb foreign authoritarian influence, focusing on:
    • Cuba
    • Russia
    • Iran
    • China
    • Specifically in Venezuela’s military, security services, and government
    • (D) Plan for using U.S. foreign assistance to support Venezuelan people, including:
    • Humanitarian assistance
    • Democracy and governance programming
    • Efforts to strengthen access to basic services
    • (E) Description of efforts to support Venezuelan civil society, including:
    • Independent media
    • Human rights defenders
    • Independent journalists
    • Other NGOs working to advance democracy, rule of law, and accountability for abuses

B. Annual reporting (Section 2(b))

  • An initial progress report is due not later than one year after the strategy is submitted.
  • Annual progress reports are required for two subsequent years, detailing:
    • Progress in implementing the strategy
    • Any recommended changes to the strategy

C. Congressional consultation (Section 2(c))

  • The Secretary must engage in semi-annual consultations with the appropriate congressional committees on:
    • The strategy itself
    • Implementation of the strategy

D. Appropriate congressional committees (Section 2(d))

  • Defines the committees with jurisdiction for this bill:
    • House Committee on Foreign Affairs
    • Senate Committee on Foreign Relations

3) Who or what would be affected

  • U.S. Department of State would be responsible for drafting and implementing the strategy.
  • Venezuelan political landscape and civil society could be affected through:
    • Diplomatic efforts and international coordination
    • Humanitarian and governance-focused U.S. assistance
    • Support for independent media, journalists, and human rights defenders
  • Monitoring and documentation of political detentions in Venezuela would receive attention and resources.
  • U.S. foreign assistance programs could be redirected or prioritized toward democracy promotion, governance, and basic services in Venezuela.
  • The bill seeks to counter influence from foreign governments (Cuba, Russia, Iran, China) in Venezuela’s security and government sectors.

4) Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Enactment trigger: If passed, the Secretary must submit the initial strategy within 180 days of enactment.
  • Follow-up: Annual progress reports due for three years (the year of first report plus two additional years).
  • Ongoing oversight: Semi-annual briefings/consultations with the relevant congressional committees.
  • Legislative scope: Addresses foreign policy, human rights, sanctions and diplomacy, with a focus on Venezuela’s democratic transition.

5) Practical considerations

  • The bill codifies a structured, oversight-heavy approach to Venezuela policy, emphasizing human rights, civil society, and governance.
  • It places explicit emphasis on releasing detainees and countering specific foreign influences in Venezuelan institutions.
  • Success hinges on interagency coordination, international cooperation, and the political will of Congress and the Executive Branch to support and monitor the strategy over multiple years.

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

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