Congress·In Committee·about 2 months ago

Congress proposes ban on federal funds for any U.S. occupation or control of Venezuela

Also known as: NOVA Act of 2026

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed

Review

House

Senate

President

Impacts

Mixed Impacts(2)

Immigrant

Neutral

Federal Employee

Neutral

Positive Impacts(1)

Military Active

Helps

Key Points

Would block federal money from being used to support any claim that the U.S. controls Venezuela or its resources, including using U.S. troops there for that purpose.
Still allows the President to buy or trade for property in Venezuela if Venezuela agrees, when it would be used for a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Lets the U.S. keep using and holding title to U.S.-owned property in Venezuela for embassy or consulate use, if the President officially designates it.
Says the ban does not apply to U.S. property in Venezuela that the U.S. already owned before January 1, 2026.
Clarifies that the funding ban should not be read as limiting emergency humanitarian aid.

Foreign PolicyNational Security

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions

Jan 8, 2026House

Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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.

Jan 8, 2026

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Immediately after the bill is enacted (signed into law).

Federal agencies would have to stop funding any U.S. “occupation” or “internal administration” of Venezuela once the law takes effect.

It would become illegal to spend federal money on actions meant to claim U.S. control over Venezuela or to run parts of Venezuela, including certain troop deployments for that purpose.

Immediately after enactment for any qualifying pre-2026 property.

Previously owned U.S. property in Venezuela (title conveyed before Jan 1, 2026) would remain usable without triggering the funding ban.

Existing U.S.-owned property rights in Venezuela would be protected from being treated as prohibited “occupation” spending under this bill.

Ongoing after enactment; the bill says it does not change those rules.

Emergency humanitarian aid programs would continue under existing authorities and limits.

People and groups providing emergency relief connected to Venezuela should not lose legal authority for that aid because of this bill alone.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

NOVA Act of 2026

Bill NumberHR 6980

Congress119th Congress

ChamberHouse of Representatives

Latest ActionReferred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(9)

D: 9

Data Sources

Congress.gov

Official legislative information

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.