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Krishnamoorthi proposes No Occupation of Venezuela Act
He criticized what he described as an attempt by the Trump administration to expand executive power abroad at a time when domestic priorities remain unmet.
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Malvika Choudhary - Wed, 07, Jan 2026
- 14:54 EST
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Raja Krishnamoorthi / X - @CongressmanRaja
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at blocking any U.S. effort to occupy or administer Venezuela and cutting off federal funding for such actions.
The No Occupation of Venezuela (NOVA) Act would prohibit the use of any federal funds military or civilian, direct or indirect, to further the occupation or internal administration of Venezuela.
Also Read: India concerned over developments in Venezuela, urges dialogue: EAM Jaishankar
Krishnamoorthi said the legislation is intended to reassert Congress’s constitutional authority over federal spending and prevent the executive branch from unilaterally committing the United States to governing another country.
“The Constitution is clear: Congress controls the money, and Congress has not approved the United States occupying or running Venezuela—militarily, economically, or administratively,” Krishnamoorthi said.
Under the bill, federal funds could not be used to shift from military action to civilian control, economic administration, or sector-by-sector management of Venezuela without explicit congressional authorization.
According to his office, the NOVA Act would explicitly bar any U.S. government entity from using funds to run Venezuela’s government, energy sector, financial system, or law enforcement, including the Departments of Defense, Energy, and Treasury. The measure would still allow emergency humanitarian assistance to the Venezuelan people.
Krishnamoorthi criticized what he described as an attempt by the Trump administration to expand executive power abroad at a time when domestic priorities remain unmet.
“Americans do not want another endless entanglement abroad or their tax dollars used to subsidize an occupation while health care and Medicaid are on the chopping block at home. The NOVA Act stops this power grab cold,” he said.
The announcement comes days after the United States launched a major military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
Following the operation, President Donald Trump said the United States would take responsibility for stabilizing Venezuela and overseeing key sectors, including the country’s oil industry, until a political transition is completed.
The administration has also indicated it would control Venezuelan energy assets and manage revenue flows during the interim period.
Those statements have drawn criticism from several lawmakers, who argue that while Congress has not authorized an occupation or governance role in Venezuela, the administration is moving in that direction.
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