U.S.-Venezuela Energy Policy and Oversight

January 13 – March 5, 2026

Where Things Stand

Legislation to audit and restrict Venezuelan oil revenue remains stalled in House and Senate committees, leaving billions in energy proceeds under executive discretion without mandatory oversight. Until these bills advance, the State Department is not required to provide the detailed accounting or funding bans sought by lawmakers. This lack of transparency persists as the administration continues to manage oil funds through offshore accounts.

The Facts

How We Got Here

Feb 11, 2026Senator Adam Schiff publicly demands answers regarding the administration's use of offshore accounts to hold proceeds from Venezuelan oil sales. [For]

Feb 10, 2026The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations receives the Venezuela Oil Proceeds Transparency Act to mandate a non-partisan watchdog investigation into energy agreements. [S. 3838]

Jan 14, 2026Lawmakers introduce S. 3685 to prohibit the U.S. government from using taxpayer money to reimburse companies for their investments in the Venezuelan energy sector. [bill-119-S-3685]

Policies

H.R. 7819 and S. 3838 are companion bills that create a House-Senate pair to force an audit of the 2026 oil deal. H.R. 7038 and S. 3685 are separate measures that focus on blocking federal funding, but all four bills are currently stalled as lawmakers wait for committee action.

H.R. 7819

Rep. Casten Introduces Bill to Audit Trump’s Energy Deal With Venezuela

Mar 5

S. 3838

Congress Proposes Independent Audit of New U.S.-Venezuela Oil Deal to Track Billions in Revenue

Feb 11

S 3685

Ban on Taxpayer Funding for Venezuelan Oil Projects

Jan 15

H.R. 7038

Congress moves to bar federal funds from supporting Venezuela oil projects, requiring State Department reports

Jan 13

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.