STOP MADURO Act Securing Timely Opportunities for Payment and Maximizing Awards for Detaining Unlawful Regime Officials Act of 2024
Impact
If enacted, the bill would directly affect the enforcement of U.S. laws regarding narcotics and criminal activities associated with foreign officials. By institutionalizing a substantial reward for key information about Maduro, it underscores the U.S. government’s commitment to combat drug trafficking and its associated threats to national and international security. Moreover, this legislative action could heighten diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, as it frames Maduro not only as a political adversary but also as a criminal element whose actions adversely affect both nations.
Summary
House Bill 9692, known as the STOP MADURO Act, proposes to increase the maximum reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Nicolás Maduro Moros, the leader of Venezuela's regime, to a staggering $100,000,000. This bill is primarily aimed at incentivizing individuals to come forward with information that could result in significant legal action against Maduro, who is charged with various crimes, including narcoterrorism and drug trafficking. The funds for this reward will be sourced exclusively from assets held by Maduro and his co-conspirators that are currently being withheld by the U.S. government.
Contention
Notably, the bill may face contention regarding its implications for U.S.-Venezuela relations. While proponents may argue that targeting Maduro aligns with fighting international drug crimes, critics could express concerns over the ethics of setting such high rewards for information, which could lead to potential abuses. Additionally, there are questions regarding the effectiveness of such measures in potentially destabilizing the already tumultuous political situation in Venezuela and how this might impact U.S. foreign policy in the region.
Securing Timely Opportunities for Payment and Maximizing Awards for Detaining Unlawful Regime Officials Act of 2025 or the STOP MADURO ActThis bill authorizes the Department of State to pay a reward of up to $100 million for certain information directly leading to the arrest and conviction of Nicolas Maduro Moros.For example, under the bill, the State Department may pay such a reward to one or more individuals who furnish information directly leading to Maduro's arrest and conviction in any country for specified narcotics-related offenses.The bill also requires that any such payment come solely from the liquidation of assets that the U.S. President or the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control has withheld pursuant to specified laws and executive orders from Maduro, officials of the Maduro regime, and their co-conspirators.
Recognizing Edmundo González of Venezuela as the winner of the Venezuelan Election which took place on July 28th, 2024 and condemning the Maduro regime.
Calling for accountability for grave violations of internationally recognized human rights in Cuba and malign activities against the United States and democratic countries in the Western Hemisphere committed by the Communist regime in Cuba.