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United States · Resolution · HRES

H.Res. 259 (115th)

Expressing concern and condemnation over the political, economic, social, and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela.

passedUnited States· United States Congress· EN

Introduced

6 April 2017

Last action

7 December 2017 · Floor

Status

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Sponsors

Rep. DeSantis, Ron [R-FL-6], Rep. Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana [R-FL-27], Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10], Carlos Curbelo, Rep. Yoho, Ted S. [R-FL-3], Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14], Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12], Rep. Sires, Albio [D-NJ-13], Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4], Rep. Rooney, Francis [R-FL-19], Rep. Torres, Norma J. [D-CA-35], Rep. Diaz-Balart, Mario [R-FL-26], Rep. Donovan, Daniel M., Jr. [R-NY-11], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Paul Cook, Rep. Raskin, Jamie [D-MD-8], Rep. Chaffetz, Jason [R-UT-3], Rep. Stewart, Chris [R-UT-2], Rep. Scott, Austin [R-GA-8], Rep. Duncan, Jeff [R-SC-3], Thomas Garrett, Rep. LaMalfa, Doug [R-CA-1], Rep. Hill, J. French [R-AR-2], Rep. Jackson Lee, Sheila [D-TX-18], Rep. Love, Mia B. [R-UT-4], Rep. Walker, Mark [R-NC-6], Rep. Gallagher, Mike [R-WI-8], Rep. Mooney, Alexander X. [R-WV-2], Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13], Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-25], Rescom. González-Colón, Jenniffer [R-PR-At Large], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Fortenberry, Jeff [R-NE-1], Rep. Shimkus, John [R-IL-15], Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22], Rep. Davis, Rodney [R-IL-13], Rep. Zeldin, Lee M. [R-NY-1], Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9], Rep. Bucshon, Larry [R-IN-8], Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2]

Subjects

Rule of law

Source updated

7 April 2025

Rule of law

Official sourceDownload fileView documentsShare

Summary

Condemns the decisions by the Venezuelan Supreme Court on March 28, 2017, and March 29, 2017, stripping the opposition legislators of their parliamentary immunity, seizing power from the National Assembly, and nullifying all legislative actions. Recognizes the decision by such court on April 1, 2017, to restore the opposition legislators' parliamentary immunity and the National Assembly's legislative powers. Urges the government of Venezuela to heed the calls of the international community to: (1) hold free, fair, and open elections; (2) release all political prisoners, including U.S. citizens; and (3) immediately accept international humanitarian assistance only through nongovernmental organizations. Calls for Organization of American States (OAS) member states to continue all efforts, including the consideration of a potential suspension of Venezuela from the OAS, if such government fails to take such actions. Encourages the President of the United States to prioritize a resolution of the political, economic, social, and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, including through bilateral, targeted sanctions against individuals in the Venezuelan government responsible for the deterioration of democratic institutions and the rule of law.

This text is taken from the official record. PoliticalRepo does not editorialize.

Timeline

  1. 6 April 2017

    Introduced

    Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

    Source: IntroReferral

  2. 6 April 2017

    Introduced

    Introduced in House

    Source: IntroReferral

  3. 6 April 2017

    Introduced

    Introduced in House

    Source: IntroReferral

  4. 18 May 2017

    Referred

    Referred to the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere.

    Source: Committee

  5. 24 May 2017

    Reported

    Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

    Source: Committee

  6. 24 May 2017

    Committee

    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

    Source: Committee

  7. 27 July 2017

    Reported

    Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended).

    Source: Committee

  8. 27 July 2017

    Committee

    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

    Source: Committee

  9. 5 December 2017

    Vote

    At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

    Source: Floor

  10. 5 December 2017

    Floor

    DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 259.

    Source: Floor

  11. 5 December 2017

    Floor

    Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H9659-9663)

    Source: Floor

  12. 5 December 2017

    Floor

    Mr. Royce (CA) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

    Source: Floor

  13. 7 December 2017

    Passed

    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

    Source: Floor

  14. 7 December 2017

    Vote

    On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 419 - 8 (Roll no. 667). (text: CR 12/5/2017 CR H9659-9660)

    Source: Floor

  15. 7 December 2017

    Vote

    Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 419 - 8 (Roll no. 667).(text: CR 12/5/2017 CR H9659-9660)

    Source: Floor

  16. 7 December 2017

    Floor

    Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H9730-9731)

    Source: Floor

Votes

7 December 2017 · passed · On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree, as Amended · Passed · Official source

Yes 419 · No 8 · Abstain — · Absent/not voting 5

Showing the first 4 recorded positions. Vote totals above are complete.

Versions

Documents

6 official files

Engrossed in House (text)

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Leesvertaling

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  • Engrossed in House (text)

    Engrossed in House · EN · 7 December 2017

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  • Engrossed in House (PDF)

    Engrossed in House · EN · 7 December 2017

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  • Passed House amended

    summary · EN · 7 December 2017

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  • Introduced in House (text)

    Introduced in House · EN · 6 April 2017

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  • Introduced in House (PDF)

    Introduced in House · EN · 6 April 2017

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  • Introduced in House

    summary · EN · 6 April 2017

    Open at official source

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Sponsors

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Sources

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