Venezuela Humanitarian Assistance and Defense of Democratic Governance Act of 2017
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Under committee review
What it doesSummary introduced in house (May 25, 2017)
Venezuela Humanitarian Assistance and Defense of Democratic Governance Act of 2017
This bill directs the Department of State to work through nongovernmental organizations to provide public health commodities, basic food commodities, and related technical assistance to Venezuela.
The State Department shall submit a multi-year strategy to Congress that: (1) describes how the United States will secure international support for the provision of humanitarian assistance to Venezuela, and (2) identifies governments that will provide financial and technical assistance.
The President shall use U.S. influence to place the humanitarian and political crisis in Venezuela on the United Nations Security Council agenda and to secure a statement urging the Venezuelan government to allow the delivery of humanitarian relief. If the government of Venezuela refuses to allow such delivery, the President shall use U.S. influence to secure a U.N. Security Council resolution: (1) directing the government of Venezuela to allow access for humanitarian agencies; and (2) calling on such government to allow the delivery of food and medicine, end human rights violations, agree to free elections, cease violence, and release all political prisoners.
The State Department shall work: (1) with the Organization of American States to ensure international observation that contributes to free and transparent electoral processes in Venezuela, and (2) to defend internationally recognized human rights for the people of Venezuela, support the efforts of independent media outlets to share information beyond the limited channels made available by the Venezuelan government, facilitate open access to the Internet, and combat government corruption.
The State Department shall report to Congress regarding: (1) the involvement in corruption of senior Venezuelan officials, including members of the National Electoral Council, the judicial system, and government security forces; and (2) Russian cooperation with the government and armed forces of Venezuela.
The bill amends the Venezuela Defense of Human Rights and Civil Society Act of 2014 to: (1) direct the President to impose sanctions on any current or former official of the Venezuela government who is determined to have perpetrated significant acts of public corruption or actions or policies that undermine democratic processes or institutions, and (2) extend the requirement to impose sanctions under such Act until December 31, 2022.
What just happenedDec 11, 2017
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Who’s behind it
- Referred in SenateDec 11, 2017
- Engrossed in HouseDec 7, 2017
- Introduced in HouseMay 25, 2017
- Dec 11, 2017IntroReferral
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Foreign Relations Committee - Dec 7, 2017FloorH38310
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Dec 7, 2017FloorH37300
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 388 - 29 (Roll no. 671). (text: CR 12/5/2017 H9653-9656)
- Dec 7, 2017Floor8000
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 388 - 29 (Roll no. 671).(text: CR 12/5/2017 H9653-9656)
- Dec 7, 2017FloorH30000
Considered as unfinished business. (CR H9745-9746)
- Dec 5, 2017FloorH37220
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
- Dec 5, 2017FloorH8D000
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2658.
- Dec 5, 2017FloorH30000
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H9653-9659)
- Dec 5, 2017FloorH30300
Mr. Royce (CA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- Sep 28, 2017Committee
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Foreign Affairs Committee - Sep 28, 2017Committee
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Foreign Affairs Committee - May 25, 2017IntroReferralH11100
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Judiciary Committee - May 25, 2017IntroReferralH11100-A
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- May 25, 2017IntroReferralH11100
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Foreign Affairs Committee - May 25, 2017IntroReferralIntro-H
Introduced in House
- May 25, 2017IntroReferral1000
Introduced in House