Expressing concern and condemnation over the political, economic, social, and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela.

Bill: 115-hres-259
Sponsor: Rep. DeSantis, Ron [R-FL-6]
Introduced: 2017-04-06 in the House
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Detention of persons
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Elections, voting, political campaign regulation
Foreign aid and international relief
Human rights
International organizations and cooperation
Latin America
Protest and dissent
Rule of law and government transparency
Sanctions
Sovereignty, recognition, national governance and status
Venezuela

Summary:
action_date: 2017-04-06
text: 
Condemns the decisions by the Venezuelan Supreme Court on March 28, 2017, and March 29, 2017, stripping the opposition legislators of their parliamentary immunity, seizing power from the National Assembly, and nullifying all legislative actions. Recognizes the decision by such court on April 1, 2017, to restore the opposition legislators' parliamentary immunity and the National Assembly's legislative powers.
 
Urges the government of Venezuela to heed the calls of the international community to: (1) hold free, fair, and open elections; (2) release all political prisoners, including U.S. citizens; and (3) immediately accept international humanitarian assistance only through nongovernmental organizations. Calls for Organization of American States (OAS) member states to continue all efforts, including the consideration of a potential suspension of Venezuela from the OAS, if such government fails to take such actions.
 
Encourages the President of the United States to prioritize a resolution of the political, economic, social, and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, including through bilateral, targeted sanctions against individuals in the Venezuelan government responsible for the deterioration of democratic institutions and the rule of law.
 
 

action_date: 2017-12-07
text: 
Urges the government of Venezuela to heed the calls of the international community to: (1) hold free, fair, and open elections; (2) release all political prisoners, including U.S. citizens; (3) respect the constitutional rights of the National Assembly; and (4) open a channel for international humanitarian assistance and medicines. 
 
Calls for Organization of American States (OAS) member states to continue: (1) efforts to support the principles of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, regardless of Venezuela's intent to withdraw from the OAS; and (2) calls for the Venezuelan government to hold free and fair elections and release all political prisoners in a timely manner.
 
Recognizes the leadership of OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro in building a coalition of OAS member states in support of democracy and human rights for the Venezuelan people.
 
Encourages the President of the United States to prioritize: (1) a resolution of the political, economic, social, and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela; and (2) an effective response to the growing regional refugee crisis in Venezuela through multilateral cooperation with partners at the OAS and United Nations and through targeted sanctions against individuals responsible for the deterioration of democratic institutions and the rule of law.
 
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-12-07
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2017-12-07
text: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 419 - 8 (Roll no. 667). (text: CR 12/5/2017 CR H9659-9660)
action_date: 2017-12-07
text: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 419 - 8 (Roll no. 667).(text: CR 12/5/2017 CR H9659-9660)
action_date: 2017-12-07
text: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H9730-9731)
action_date: 2017-12-05
text: 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.
action_date: 2017-12-05
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 259.
action_date: 2017-12-05
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H9659-9663)
action_date: 2017-12-05
text: Mr. Royce (CA) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
action_date: 2017-07-27
text: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended).
action_date: 2017-07-27
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2017-05-24
text: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
action_date: 2017-05-24
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2017-05-18
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere.
action_date: 2017-04-06
text: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
action_date: 2017-04-06
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2017-04-06
text: Introduced in House