WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Rick Scott, Jacky Rosen, Marco Rubio and Thom Tillis reintroduced the Banning Operations and Leases with the Illegitimate Venezuelan Authoritarian Regime (BOLIVAR) Act. This legislation holds Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro accountable by prohibiting federal agencies from doing business with anyone that supports the oppressive Maduro regime. Last Congress, the Senate unanimously passed the BOLIVAR Act. Congressman Michael Waltz introduced the companion bipartisan bill in the House of Representatives.

In 2019, Senator Scott’s amendment to cut off funds to the Maduro regime was included in the National Defense Authorization Act and Senator Scott signed similar legislation into law as Governor of Florida.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Nicolás Maduro is committing a genocide against the people of Venezuela. Not one cent of U.S. taxpayer money can be used to prop up this murderous regime. We can never stop fighting for freedom and democracy, especially in our own hemisphere. Today, I’m proud to lead my colleagues and continue this important work to prohibit all federal agencies from doing business with anyone that supports Maduro. We can’t stand by and let this crisis continue, and that starts with restricting the money Maduro uses to hold onto power. I call on all of my colleagues to once again pass this legislation in this new Congress to support those fighting for freedom and an end to Maduro’s ruthless regime.”

Senator Jacky Rosen said, “The United States must do more to protect the people of Venezuela from Nicolás Maduro’s oppression. By prohibiting federal agencies from doing business with anyone that supports the violent Maduro regime, we can help alleviate the suffering of innocent civilians. I stand with my colleagues from across the aisle to condemn the Maduro regime’s brutal campaign of oppression, and will continue to advocate for U.S. global leadership and protection of human rights.”

Senator Thom Tillis said, “Dictator Nicolás Maduro must be held accountable, and part of that accountability means no federal agency should be conducting business with his cronies or anyone that supports his oppressive regime. The United States must continue to advocate against totalitarian regimes, and I look forward to the Senate passage of this bipartisan legislation.”

Senator Marco Rubio said, “The U.S. government should not use American tax dollars to provide a lifeline to the corrupt, evil narco-regime in Venezuela. Congress needs to step in and stop the Biden Administration from appeasing the tyrants in our region.”

Congressman Michael Waltz said, “Aside from his dictatorial suppression of democratic principles and human rights in Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro is a wanted narco-terrorist by the U.S. State Department.  It is critical we terminate any funding mechanisms that prop-up his illegitimate and brutal regime. I want to thank Senator Scott and Rep. Wasserman Schultz for co-leading this important legislation with me, as well as their steadfast efforts to free Venezuela from the clutches of tyranny.”   

The BOLIVAR Act:

• Prohibits federal agencies from awarding U.S. government contracts with companies that are engaged in business with the Maduro regime.
• The prohibition would only apply to contracts entered into on or after the bill’s enactment.
• Provides for necessary exceptions, including for rendering humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and when the Office of Foreign Assets Control issues a valid license to do business in Venezuela.
• Allows the Secretary of State to waive the restriction when in the national interest of the U.S.

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