,i #aaeth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,h4 ,r4 #gbde ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,december #aj1 #bjah,mr4 ,sires 7for himself1 ,ms4 ,ros-,lehtinen1 ,ms4 ,wasserman ,schultz1 and ,mrs4 ,torres7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs1 and in addition to the ,committees on the ,judiciary1 and ,financial ,services1 for a period to be subsequently determined by the ,speaker1 in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned ,a ,,bill ,to provide humanitarian relief to the ,venezuelan people and ,venezuelan migrants1 to advance a constitutional and democratic solution to ,venezuela's political crisis1 to address ,venezuela's economic reconstruction1 to combat public corruption1 narcotics trafficking1 and money laundering1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,venezuela ,humanitarian ,relief1 ,reconstruction1 and ,rule of ,law ,act of #bjah4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4 ,sec4 #b4 ,sense of ,congress4 ,title ,i--,humanitarian relief for ,venezuela ,sec4 #aja4 ,humanitarian assistance to ,venezuelans in neighboring countries4 ,sec4 #ajb4 ,support for efforts at the ,united ,nations on the humanitarian crisis in ,venezuela4 ,title ,,ii--,restoring democracy and addressing the political crisis in ,venezuela ,sec4 #bja4 ,recognition of ,venezuela's democratically elected ,national ,assembly4 ,sec4 #bjb4 ,advancing a negotiated solution to ,venezuela's crisis4 ,sec4 #bjc4 ,support for the ,lima ,group4 ,sec4 #bjd4 ,accountability for crimes against humanity4 ,title ,,iii--,supporting the reconstruction of ,venezuela ,sec4 #cja4 ,engaging international financial institutions to advance the reconstruction of ,venezuela's economy and energy infrastructure4 ,sec4 #cjb4 ,recovering assets stolen from the ,venezuelan people4 ,title ,,iv--,restoring the rule of law in ,venezuela ,sec4 #dja4 ,public information about sanctioned officials4 ,sec4 #djb4 ,coordinating targeted sanctions with partners in the ,western ,hemisphere and the ,european ,union4 ,sec4 #djc4 ,financial sanctions on ,venezuelan government debt4 ,sec4 #djd4 ,exceptions for humanitarian assistance4 ,title ,v--,cryptocurrency sanctions and ensuring the effectiveness of ,united ,states sanctions ,sec4 #eja4 ,sanctions on ,venezuela's cryptocurrency and the provision of related technologies4 ,sec4 #ejb4 ,report on the impact of cryptocurrencies on ,united ,states sanctions4 ,title ,,vi--,termination ,sec4 #fja4 ,extension and termination of sanctions against ,venezuela4 #b4 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 ,venezuela's electoral event on ,may #bj1 #bjah-- 7,a7 was not legitimate2 and 7,b7 did not comply with international standards for a free1 fair1 and transparent democratic process2 and 7#b7 senior officials in the de facto government of ,nicols ,maduro-- 7,a7 have taken continuous steps-- 7i7 to consolidate an authoritarian government2 and 7ii7 to direct political control over ,venezuela's ,supreme ,tribunal of ,justice1 ,national ,electoral ,council1 and armed forces2 7,b7 have implemented policies that are directly responsible for-- 7i7 ,venezuela's economic and humanitarian crises2 and 7ii7 the massive outflow of ,venezuelan migrants leaving the country2 7,c7 have used access to food as a tool of political coercion and a source of corruption and have directly profited from corruption in food procurement contracts2 7,d7 have utilized repressive tactics to violate and curtail human rights1 political rights1 freedom of expression1 and freedom of the press1 including the arbitrary detention of political prisoners2 and 7,e7 have engaged in acts of gross corruption and criminality that have contributed to the absence of the rule of law in ,venezuela4 ,i ,humanitarian relief for ,venezuela #aja4 ,humanitarian assistance to ,venezuelans in neighboring countries 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 shall work through international and nongovernmental organizations to provide ,venezuelans in neighboring countries with humanitarian aid1 such as-- 7#a7 urgently needed health and nutritional assistance1 including logistical and technical assistance to hospitals and health centers in affected communities2 7#b7 food assistance for vulnerable individuals1 including assistance to improve food security for affected communities2 and 7#c7 hygiene supplies and sanitation services4 7b7 ,additional elements ,the assistance described in subsection 7a7-- 7#a7 may be provided-- 7,a7 directly to ,venezuelans in neighboring countries2 or 7,b7 indirectly through the communities in which the ,venezuelans reside2 and 7#b7 should focus on the most vulnerable ,venezuelans in neighboring countries4 7c7 ,authorization of appropriations 7#a7 ,in general ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary of ,state #bj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjai to carry out the activities set forth in subsection 7a7 in accordance with this section4 7#b7 ,notification requirement 7,a7 ,in general ,except as provided under subparagraph 7,b71 amounts appropriated or otherwise made available pursuant to paragraph 7#a7 may not be obligated until #ae days after the date on which the ,president provides notice to the appropriate congressional committees of the intent to obligate such funds4 7,b7 ,waiver 7i7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state may waive the requirement under subparagraph 7,a7 if the ,secretary determines that such requirement would pose a substantial risk to human health or welfare4 7ii7 ,notification requirement ,if a waiver is invoked under clause 7i71 the ,president shall notify the appropriate congressional committees of the intention to obligate funds under this section as early as practicable1 but not later than #c days after taking the action to which such notification requirement was applicable in the context of the circumstances necessitating such waiver4 7,c7 ,defined term ,in this subparagraph1 the term appropriate congressional committees means-- 7i7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate2 7ii7 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate2 7iii7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives2 and 7iv7 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives4 #ajb4 ,support for efforts at the ,united ,nations on the humanitarian crisis in ,venezuela 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that the ,united ,nations humanitarian agencies1 including the ,office for the ,coordination of ,humanitarian ,affairs1 the ,world ,health ,organization1 the ,pan ,american ,health ,organization1 the ,food and ,agriculture ,organization1 ,,unicef1 and the ,united ,nations ,high ,commissioner for ,refugees1 should conduct and publish independent assessments regarding-- 7#a7 the extent and impact of the shortages of food and medicine in ,venezuela2 and 7#b7 the efforts needed to resolve such shortages4 7b7 ,initial efforts ,the ,president shall instruct the ,permanent ,representative of the ,united ,states to the ,united ,nations to use the voice and vote of the ,united ,states in the ,united ,nations ,security ,council to secure the necessary votes-- 7#a7 to place the humanitarian and political crisis in ,venezuela on the ,united ,nations ,security ,council's ,programme of ,work2 and 7#b7 to secure a ,presidential ,statement from the ,president of the ,united ,nations ,security ,council urging the ,government of ,venezuela-- 7,a7 to allow the delivery of humanitarian relief2 and 7,b7 to lift bureaucratic impediments or any other obstacles preventing independent nongovernmental organizations from providing the proper assistance to the people of ,venezuela without any interference by the ,government of ,venezuela4 7c7 ,united ,nations ,humanitarian ,coordinator ,the ,president shall instruct the ,permanent ,representative to the ,united ,nations to use the voice and influence of the ,united ,states to advance the appointment of a ,united ,nations ,humanitarian ,coordinator for ,venezuela to lead and coordinate the efforts of humanitarian organizations in a manner that contributes to ,venezuela's long-term recovery4 7d7 ,additional efforts 7#a7 ,in general ,if the ,government of ,venezuela refuses to allow the delivery of humanitarian relief and to lift bureaucratic impediments and any other obstacles described in subsection 7b77#b77;,b71 the ,president1 beginning not later than #cj days after the conclusion of the efforts of the ,united ,nations described in such subsection1 shall instruct the ,permanent ,representative of the ,united ,states to the ,united ,nations to use the voice and vote of the ,united ,states to secure the adoption of a resolution described in paragraph 7#b74 7#b7 ,resolution described ,the resolution described in this paragraph is a ,resolution of the ,united ,nations ,security ,council that-- 7,a7 requires the ,government of ,venezuela to promptly allow safe and unhindered access for humanitarian agencies and their implementing partners1 including possible support from neighboring countries2 and 7,b7 calls on the ,government of ,venezuela-- 7i7 to allow the delivery of food and medicine to the people of ,venezuela2 7ii7 to end human rights violations against the people of ,venezuela2 7iii7 to agree to free1 fair1 and transparent elections with credible international observers2 7iv7 to cease violence against the people of ,venezuela2 and 7v7 to release all political prisoners held by the ,government of ,venezuela4 ,,ii ,restoring democracy and addressing the political crisis in ,venezuela #bja4 ,recognition of ,venezuela's democratically elected ,national ,assembly 7a7 ,findings ,congress makes the following findings3 7#a7 ,venezuela's unicameral ,national ,assembly convened on ,january #f1 #bjaf1 following democratic elections that were held on ,december #f1 #bjae4 7#b7 ,venezuela's ,national ,constituent ,assembly convened on ,august #d1 #bjag1 in the aftermath of an election on ,july #cj1 #bjag1 which was characterized by widespread fraud and1 as a result of administrative processes1 failed to comply with the ,constitution of the ,bolivarian ,republic of ,venezuela4 7b7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that actions taken by the ,government of ,venezuela that require legislative approval1 ratification1 or concurrence1 including the provision or refinancing of debts1 should only be recognized as legitimate by the ,united ,states and the international community if such legislative actions are performed by the democratically elected ,national ,assembly of the ,bolivarian ,republic of ,venezuela4 7c7 ,policy ,it is the policy of the ,united ,states-- 7#a7 to recognize the democratically elected ,national ,assembly of ,venezuela as the only legitimate national legislative body in ,venezuela2 and 7#b7 not to recognize ,venezuela's ,national ,constituent ,assembly as a legitimate legislative body4 #bjb4 ,advancing a negotiated solution to ,venezuela's crisis 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 direct1 credible negotiations between the ,government of ,venezuela and political opposition1 which include democratically elected deputies of the ,national ,assembly of the ,bolivarian ,republic of ,venezuela1 are supported by stakeholders in the international diplomatic community1 and include the input and interests of ,venezuelan civil society1 represent the best opportunity to reach a solution to the ,venezuelan crisis that includes-- 7,a7 restoring democracy and the rule of law2 7,b7 freeing political prisoners2 7,c7 facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid2 and 7,d7 establishing conditions for free and fair democratic elections2 7#b7 negotiations between the ,government of ,venezuela and political opposition that commenced in ,october #bjag1 and were supported by the ,governments of ,mexico1 ,chile1 ,bolivia1 and ,nicaragua1 did not result in an agreement because the ,government of ,venezuela failed to credibly participate in the process2 and 7#c7 negotiations between the ,government of ,venezuela and political opposition that commenced in ,october #bjaf1 and were supported by the ,vatican1 did not result in an agreement because the ,government of ,venezuela failed to credibly participate in the process4 7b7 ,policy ,it is the policy of the ,united ,states to support diplomatic engagement in order to advance a negotiated solution to ,venezuela's political1 economic1 and humanitarian crisis that is described in subsection 7a77#a74 #bjc4 ,support for the ,lima ,group 7a7 ,findings ,congress makes the following findings3 7#a7 ,the ,lima ,group is a diplomatic bloc whose members include ,argentina1 ,brazil1 ,canada1 ,chile1 ,colombia1 ,costa ,rica1 ,guatemala1 ,guyana1 ,honduras1 ,mexico1 ,panama1 ,paraguay1 ,peru1 and ,saint ,lucia4 7#b7 ,the ,lima ,group-- 7,a7 has condemned the rupture of the democratic order in ,venezuela2 7,b7 has reaffirmed the authority of the democratically elected ,national ,assembly of ,venezuela2 7,c7 has rejected ,venezuela's ,national ,constituent ,assembly2 7,d7 has called on the ,government of ,venezuela to accept humanitarian assistance in order to address the country's growing economic crisis2 and 7,e7 has stated that it does not recognize the legitimacy of ,venezuela's ,may #bj1 #bjah1 presidential election as it did not comply with international standards for a democratic1 free1 fair1 and transparent process4 7b7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that the ,secretary of ,state should conduct diplomatic engagement in support of efforts by the ,lima ,group to restore democracy and the rule of law ,venezuela and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance for the ,venezuelan people4 #bjd4 ,accountability for crimes against humanity 7a7 ,findings ,congress makes the following findings3 7#a7 ,on ,july #be1 #bjag1 the ,secretary ,general of the ,organization of ,american ,states stated the systematic attack against the civilian population of ,venezuela includes murders1 imprisonment and torture1 and it is evident in the eyes of the international community that we are in the presence of crimes against humanity44 7#b7 ,on ,september #aa1 #bjag1 the ,united ,nations ,high ,commissioner for ,human ,rights stated that ,venezuelan security forces may have committed crimes against humanity against protesters and called for a credible international investigation4 7#c7 ,a ,november #bi1 #bjag1 report by ,human ,rights ,watch documented that ,venezuelan security forces had used extreme and1 at times1 lethal forces against protesters and1 once detained1 subjected them to abuses ranging from severe beatings to torture involving electric shocks1 asphyxiation1 and other techniques4 7#d7 ,on ,february #h1 #bjah1 the ,prosecutor of the ,international ,criminal ,court opened a preliminary examination of the situation in ,venezuela as it relates to ,venezuelan security forces using excessive force against civilians and the political opposition4 7#e7 ,on ,may #bi1 #bjah1 a panel of independent international experts convened by the ,secretary ,general of the ,organization of ,american ,states found that there are reasonable grounds that satisfy the standard of proof required by ,article #ec of the ,rome ,statute for considering that acts to which the civilian population of ,venezuela was subjected ''' constitute crimes against humanity4 7b7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that the ,secretary of ,state should conduct robust diplomatic engagement in support of efforts in ,venezuela1 and on the part of the international community1 to ensure accountability for possible crimes against humanity and other violations of international humanitarian law and violations and abuses of human rights4 7c7 ,report ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state shall submit a report to ,congress that-- 7#a7 evaluates the degree to which the ,government of ,venezuela and its officials1 including members of the ,venezuelan security force1 have engaged in actions that constitute crimes against humanity and violations of international humanitarian law2 and 7#b7 provides options for holding accountable the perpetrators identified under paragraph 7#a74 ,,iii ,supporting the reconstruction of ,venezuela #cja4 ,engaging international financial institutions to advance the reconstruction of ,venezuela's economy and energy infrastructure 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,treasury1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,state and the ,secretary of ,energy1 should work through the ,united ,states ,executive ,directors to the ,international ,monetary ,fund and the ,multilateral ,development ,banks to create a framework for the economic reconstruction of ,venezuela1 contingent upon the restoration of democracy and the rule of law in the country4 7b7 ,additional elements ,the framework created under subsection 7a7 should include policy proposals-- 7#a7 to provide ,venezuelans with humanitarian assistance1 poverty alleviation1 and a social safety net2 7#b7 to advance debt restructuring and debt sustainability measures2 7#c7 to restore the production and efficient management of ,venezuela's oil industry1 including rebuilding energy infrastructure2 7#d7 to eliminate price controls and market distorting subsidies in the ,venezuelan economy2 and 7#e7 to address hyperinflation in ,venezuela4 7c7 ,consultation ,in creating the framework under subsection 7a71 the ,secretary of ,treasury1 the ,secretary of ,state1 and the ,secretary of ,energy shall consult with relevant stakeholders in the humanitarian1 financial and energy sectors4 7d7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that any effort to conduct debt restructuring should-- 7#a7 include discussions with ,china1 which is ,venezuela's biggest creditor2 and 7#b7 appropriately account for ,china's and ,russia's high-risk lending to ,venezuela4 7e7 ,certification ,the ,secretary of ,treasury may not support lending or financing from the ,international ,monetary ,fund and the ,multilateral ,development ,banks until the ,secretary of ,state submits a report to the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate and ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives certifying that the ,government of ,venezuela is committed to-- 7#a7 restoring democracy and the rule of law2 7#b7 freeing political prisoners2 7#c7 facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid2 and 7#d7 establishing conditions for free and fair democratic elections4 7f7 ,briefings ,upon a request from the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate1 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives1 the ,committee on ,finance of the ,senate1 or the ,committee on ,ways and ,means of the ,house of ,representatives1 the ,secretary of ,treasury shall brief the requesting committee on the progress made in implementing the framework created under subsection 7a74 #cjb4 ,recovering assets stolen from the ,venezuelan people 7a7 ,findings ,congress makes the following findings3 7#a7 ,venezuela ranked #afith out of #ahj countries in ,transparency ,international's ,corruption ,perception ,index #bjag4 7#b7 ,in ,march #bjaf1 the ,international ,center for ,asset ,recovery at the ,basel ,institute on ,governance in ,switzerland estimated that approximately #cej1jjj1jjj1jjj in public funding had been lost in ,venezuela as the result of corruption1 fraud1 and graft4 7#c7 ,in ,march #bjae1 the ,department of the ,treasury's ,financial ,crimes ,enforcement ,network determined that approximately #b1jjj1jjj1jjj had been siphoned from ,venezuela's public oil company1 ,petrleos de ,venezuela1 ,s4,a41 in conjunction with its designation of the ,banca ,privada d',andorra as a ,foreign ,financial ,institution of ,primary ,money ,laundering ,concern4 7b7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the ,secretary of the ,treasury and the ,attorney ,general1 shall advance a coordinated international effort-- 7#a7 to carry out special financial investigations to identify and track assets taken from the people and institutions of ,venezuela through theft1 corruption1 money laundering1 or other illicit means2 and 7#b7 work with foreign governments-- 7,a7 to share financial investigations intelligence1 as appropriate2 7,b7 to block the assets identified pursuant to paragraph 7#a72 and 7,c7 to advance necessary civil forfeiture litigation1 including providing technical assistance to help governments establish the necessary legal framework to carry out asset forfeitures4 7c7 ,additional elements ,the coordinated international effort described in subsection 7b7 shall-- 7#a7 include input from-- 7,a7 the ,office of ,foreign ,assets ,control of the ,department of the ,treasury2 7,b7 the ,financial ,crimes ,enforcement ,network of the ,department of the ,treasury2 and 7,c7 the ,money ,laundering and ,asset ,recovery ,section of the ,department of ,justice2 7#b7 identify appropriate steps to advance necessary civil forfeiture litigation in the ,united ,states2 7#c7 include an assessment of whether the ,united ,states or another member of the international community should establish a managed fund to hold the assets identified pursuant to subsection 7b77#a7 that could be returned to a future democratic government in ,venezuela2 and 7#d7 include recommendations for new legislative and regulatory measures in the ,united ,states that would be needed to establish and manage the fund described in paragraph 7#c74 7d7 ,strategy requirement ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state shall submit a strategy for carrying out the activities described in subsection 7b7 to-- 7#a7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate2 7#b7 the ,committee on ,finance of the ,senate2 7#c7 the ,committee on the ,judiciary of the ,senate2 7#d7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives2 7#e7 the ,committee on ,ways and ,means of the ,house of ,representatives2 and 7#f7 the ,committee on the ,judiciary of the ,house of ,representatives4 7e7 ,briefings ,upon a request from #a of the congressional committees listed in subsection 7d71 the ,secretary of ,state1 the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 or the ,attorney ,general shall brief the requesting committee on the progress made in implementing the effort described in subsection 7b74 ,,iv ,restoring the rule of law in ,venezuela #dja4 ,public information about sanctioned officials 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and every #ahj days thereafter1 except as provided in subsection 7c71 the ,secretary of ,treasury1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,state1 shall submit a report to ,congress that describes the total assessed value of blocked assets of ,venezuelans designated under sanctions authorized under-- 7#a7 the ,foreign ,narcotics ,kingpin ,designation ,act 7title ,,viii of ,public ,law #ajf-abj2 #ba ,u4,s4,c4 #aija et seq472 7#b7 the ,venezuela ,defense of ,human ,rights and ,civil ,society ,act of #bjad 7,public ,law #aac-bgh72 or 7#c7 ,executive ,order #acfib 7#ej ,u4,s4,c4 #agja note74 7b7 ,additional elements ,reports submitted under subsection 7a7 should provide descriptions of specific cases that are most representative of the endemic corruption and illicit financial activities occurring in ,venezuela4 7c7 ,subsequent reports ,the ,secretary of ,treasury is not required to submit an updated report to ,congress under subsection 7a7 unless1 since the submission of the preceding report-- 7#a7 there has been meaningful change in the value of blocked assets2 or 7#b7 additional individuals have been targeted for sanctions under the authorities listed in subsection 7a74 7d7 ,briefings ,if the ,secretary of ,treasury exercises the exception described in subsection 7c71 the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 or designee1 shall brief ,congress on-- 7#a7 the decision to exercise the exception2 and 7#b7 information related to the value of blocked assets described in subsection 7a74 7e7 ,form ,reports required under this section shall be submitted in unclassified form1 but may include a classified annex4 #djb4 ,coordinating targeted sanctions with partners in the ,western ,hemisphere and the ,european ,union 7a7 ,strengthening sanctions capacity in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean ,the ,secretary of ,state1 working through the ,assistant ,secretary of ,state for ,economic and ,business ,affairs and the ,assistant ,secretary of ,state for ,international ,narcotics and ,law ,enforcement ,affairs1 and in coordination with the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 shall provide technical assistance to partner governments in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean to assist such governments in establishing the legislative and regulatory frameworks needed to impose targeted sanctions on ,venezuelan officials who-- 7#a7 are responsible for human rights abuses2 7#b7 have engaged in public corruption2 or 7#c7 are undermining democratic institutions and processes in ,venezuela4 7b7 ,coordinating international sanctions ,the ,secretary of ,state shall engage in diplomatic efforts with partner governments1 including the ,government of ,canada1 governments in the ,european ,union1 and governments in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean1 to impose targeted sanctions on ,venezuelan officials described in subsection 7a74 7c7 ,strategy requirement ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state shall submit a strategy for carrying out the activities described in subsection 7a7 to-- 7#a7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate2 7#b7 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate2 7#c7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives2 and 7#d7 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives4 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations 7#a7 ,in general ,there is authorized to be appropriated1 to the ,international ,narcotics ,control and ,law ,enforcement account1 #c1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjai to carry out the activities set forth in subsection 7a7 in accordance with this section4 7#b7 ,notification requirement 7,a7 ,in general ,except as provided under subparagraph 7,b71 amounts appropriated or otherwise made available pursuant to paragraph 7#a7 may not be obligated until #ae days after the date on which the ,president provides notice to the committees listed in subsection 7c7 of intent to obligate such funds4 7,b7 ,waiver 7i7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state may waive the requirement under subparagraph 7,a7 if the ,secretary of ,state determines that such waiver is in the national interest of the ,united ,states4 7ii7 ,notification requirement ,if a waiver is invoked under clause 7i71 the ,president shall notify the committees listed in subsection 7c7 of the intention to obligate funds under this section as early as practicable1 but not later than #c days after taking the action to which such notification requirement was applicable in the context of the circumstances necessitating such waiver4 7e7 ,transfer authority ,the ,assistant ,secretary of ,state for ,international ,narcotics and ,law ,enforcement ,affairs may transfer funding to the ,assistant ,secretary of ,state for ,economic and ,business ,affairs1 as necessary1 to implement the strategy described in subsection 7c74 7f7 ,reporting requirement ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and annually thereafter1 the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,treasury1 shall brief the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate1 the ,committee on ,banking1 ,housing1 and ,urban ,affairs of the ,senate1 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives1 and the ,committee on ,financial ,services of the ,house of ,representatives that provides an assessment of the efforts to strengthen sanctions capabilities and coordinate international sanctions in accordance with this section4 #djc4 ,financial sanctions on ,venezuelan government debt 7a7 ,finding ,executive ,order #achjh 7#hb ,fed4 ,reg4 #daaee71 which was signed on ,august #bd1 #bjag1 established sanctions against the ,government of ,venezuela's ability to issue public debt4 7b7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,entity ,the term entity means a partnership1 association1 trust1 joint venture1 corporation1 group1 subgroup1 or other organization4 7#b7 ,government of venezuela ,the term ,government of ,venezuela means the ,government of ,venezuela1 any political subdivision1 agency1 or instrumentality of such government1 including the ,central ,bank of ,venezuela and ,petrleos de ,venezuela1 ,s4,a41 and any person owned or controlled by1 or acting for or on behalf of1 such government4 7#c7 ,person ,the term person means an individual or entity4 7#d7 ,united states person ,the term ,united ,states person means any-- 7,a7 ,united ,states citizen2 7,b7 alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the ,united ,states2 7,c7 entity organized under the laws of the ,united ,states or any jurisdiction within the ,united ,states 7including a foreign branch of any such entity72 and 7,d7 any person physically located in the ,united ,states4 7c7 ,in general ,the ,president may prohibit1 in the ,united ,states or by a ,united ,states person-- 7#a7 any transaction related to1 provision of financing for1 or other dealing in-- 7,a7 debt instruments with a maturity of greater than #ij days issued by ,petrleos de ,venezuela1 ,s4,a41 on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act2 7,b7 debt instruments with a maturity of greater than #cj days or equity issued by the ,government of ,venezuela on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 excluding debt instruments issued by ,petrleos de ,venezuela1 ,s4,a41 that are not covered under subparagraph 7,a72 7,c7 bonds issued by the ,government of ,venezuela before the date of the enactment of this ,act2 or 7,d7 dividend payments or other distributions of profits to the ,government of ,venezuela from any entity owned or controlled1 directly or indirectly1 by the ,government of ,venezuela2 7#b7 the direct or indirect purchase of securities from the ,government of ,venezuela1 except for-- 7,a7 securities qualifying as debt instruments issued by ,petrleos de ,venezuela1 ,s4,a41 on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act that are not described in paragraph 7#a77;,a72 and 7,b7 securities qualifying as debt instruments issued by the ,government of ,venezuela on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act that are not described in paragraph 7#a77;,b72 7#c7 any transaction that evades or avoids1 has the purpose of evading or avoiding1 causes a violation of1 or attempts to violate a prohibition under paragraph 7#a7 or 7#b72 and 7#d7 any conspiracy to violate a prohibition under paragraph 7#a71 7#b71 or 7#c74 7d7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that the ,president should waive the prohibitions described in subsection 7c7 if the related debt instruments1 bonds1 or securities have been approved or ratified by the democratically elected ,national ,assembly of the ,bolivarian ,republic of ,venezuela4 7e7 ,implementation2 penalties 7#a7 ,implementation ,the ,president may exercise all authorities described in sections #bjc and #bje of the ,international ,emergency ,economic ,powers ,act 7#ej ,u4,s4,c4 #agjb and #agjd7 to carry out this section4 7#b7 ,penalties ,a person that violates1 attempts to violate1 conspires to violate1 or causes a violation of this section or any regulation1 license1 or order issued to carry out this section shall be subject to the penalties set forth in subsections 7b7 and 7c7 of section #bjf of the ,international ,emergency ,economic ,powers ,act 7#ej ,u4,s4,c4 #agje7 to the same extent as a person that commits an unlawful act described in subsection 7a7 of that section4 #djd4 ,exceptions for humanitarian assistance 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,agricultural commodity ,the term agricultural commodity has the meaning given that term in section #ajb of the ,agricultural ,trade ,act of #aigh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #efjb74 7#b7 ,good ,the term good has the meaning given that term in section #af of the ,export ,administration ,act of #aigi 7#ej ,u4,s4,c4 #dfah7 7as continued in effect pursuant to the ,international ,emergency ,economic ,powers ,act 7#ej ,u4,s4,c4 #agja et seq4774 7#c7 ,medical device ,the term medical device has the meaning given the term device in section #bja of the ,federal ,food1 ,drug1 and ,cosmetic ,act 7#ba ,u4,s4,c4 #cba74 7#d7 ,medicine ,the term medicine has the meaning given the term drug in section #bja of the ,federal ,food1 ,drug1 and ,cosmetic ,act 7#ba ,u4,s4,c4 #cba74 7b7 ,in general ,the conduct or facilitation of a transaction for the sale of agricultural commodities1 food1 medicine1 or medical devices to ,venezuela or for the provision of humanitarian assistance to the people of ,venezuela1 including engaging in a financial transaction relating to humanitarian assistance or for humanitarian purposes or transporting goods or services that are necessary to carry out operations relating to humanitarian assistance or humanitarian purposes1 regardless of whether the transactions or provision of humanitarian assistance originate in1 or have a connection to1 the ,united ,states1 shall be exempt from sanctions described in sections #djb1 #dje1 #djf1 and #eja of this ,act1 the ,venezuela ,defense of ,human ,rights and ,civil ,society ,act of #bjad 7,public ,law #aac-bgh72 and ,executive ,orders #acfib 7#ej ,u4,s4,c4 #agja note71 #achjh1 #achbg1 and #achce4 7c7 ,implementation ,in carrying out this ,act1 the ,president may exercise all authorities provided under sections #bjc and #bje of the ,international ,emergency ,economic ,powers ,act 7#ej ,u4,s4,c4 #agjb and #agjd74 7d7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this ,act may be construed to limit the authority of the ,president under the ,international ,emergency ,economic ,powers ,act 7#ej ,u4,s4,c4 #agja et seq474 ,v ,cryptocurrency sanctions and ensuring the effectiveness of ,united ,states sanctions #eja4 ,sanctions on ,venezuela's cryptocurrency and the provision of related technologies 7a7 ,finding ,executive ,order #achbg 7#hc ,fed4 ,reg4 #abdfi71 which was signed on ,march #ai1 #bjah1 established sanctions against the ,government of ,venezuela's ability to issue a digital currency in an effort to circumvent ,united ,states sanctions4 7b7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,entity ,the term entity means a partnership1 association1 trust1 joint venture1 corporation1 group1 subgroup1 or other organization4 7#b7 ,government of venezuela ,the term ,government of ,venezuela means the ,government of ,venezuela1 any political subdivision1 agency1 or instrumentality of such government1 including the ,central ,bank of ,venezuela and ,petrleos de ,venezuela1 ,s4,a41 and any person owned or controlled by1 or acting for or on behalf of1 such government4 7#c7 ,person ,the term person means an individual or entity4 7#d7 ,united states person ,the term ,united ,states person means any-- 7,a7 ,united ,states citizen2 7,b7 alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the ,united ,states2 7,c7 entity organized under the laws of the ,united ,states or any jurisdiction within the ,united ,states 7including a foreign branch of any such entity72 and 7,d7 any person physically located in the ,united ,states4 7c7 ,prohibition of certain transactions 7#a7 ,in general ,all transactions by a ,united ,states person or within the ,united ,states that relate to1 provide financing for1 provide software for1 or otherwise deal in any digital currency1 digital coin1 or digital token1 that was issued by1 for1 or on behalf of the ,government of ,venezuela are prohibited beginning on the date of the enactment of this ,act4 7#b7 ,applicability ,the prohibitions under paragraph 7#a7 shall apply to the extent provided by statutes1 or in regulations1 orders1 directives1 or licenses that may be issued pursuant to this ,act1 and notwithstanding any contract entered into or any license or permit granted before the date of the enactment of this ,act4 7#c7 ,prohibitions ,any transaction that evades or avoids1 has the purpose of evading or avoiding1 causes a violation of1 or attempts to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in this subsection is prohibited4 ,any conspiracy formed to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in this subsection is prohibited4 7d7 ,rulemaking 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,state1 is authorized to take such actions1 including promulgating rules and regulations1 to implement this section4 7#b7 ,delegation ,the ,secretary of the ,treasury may redelegate any of the functions described in paragraph 7#a7 to other officers and executive departments and agencies of the ,united ,states ,government4 ,all agencies of the ,united ,states ,government shall take all appropriate measures within their authority to carry out the provisions of this section4 #ejb4 ,report on the impact of cryptocurrencies on ,united ,states sanctions 7a7 ,defined term ,in this section1 the term appropriate congressional committees means-- 7#a7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate2 7#b7 the ,committee on ,banking1 ,housing1 and ,urban ,affairs of the ,senate2 7#c7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives2 and 7#d7 the ,committee on ,financial ,services of the ,house of ,representatives4 7b7 ,reporting requirement ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state1 after consultation with the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 the ,chairman of the ,securities and ,exchange ,commission1 and the ,chairman of the ,commodity ,futures ,trading ,commission1 shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that provides an assessment on how digital currencies affect the effectiveness of ,united ,states sanctions around the world4 7c7 ,additional elements ,the report submitted under subsection 7b7 shall-- 7#a7 describe any global efforts1 including efforts by states1 state-sponsored actors1 and non-state-sponsored actors1 to utilize digital currencies to evade or circumvent ,united ,states sanctions1 including through the direct or indirect use of products or services of ,united ,states based technology1 software1 or financial services firms2 and 7#b7 include recommendations for new legislative and regulatory measures needed to strengthen the ,united ,states ,government's ability to prevent states1 state-sponsored actors1 and non-state-sponsored actors from using digital currencies to evade or circumvent ,united ,states sanctions1 including through the direct or indirect use of products or services of ,united ,states based technology1 software1 or financial services firms4 7d7 ,form ,the report submitted under subsection 7b7 shall be submitted in unclassified form1 but may include a classified annex4 ,,vi ,termination #fja4 ,extension and termination of sanctions against ,venezuela 7a7 ,amendment ,section #e7;e7 of the ,venezuela ,defense of ,human ,rights and ,civil ,society ,act of #bjad 7,public ,law #aac-bgh2 #ej ,u4,s4,c4 #agja note7 is amended by striking ,december #ca1 #bjai and inserting ,december #ca1 #bjbe4 7b7 ,termination ,the requirement to impose sanctions under this ,act shall terminate on ,december #ca1 #bjbe4