PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Congressional Research Service
Version 53 · Passed House · Mar 25, 2019
Venezuela Arms Restriction Act
This bill prohibits the export of weapons and related services to security forces controlled by any Venezuelan government not recognized by the United States.
(The United States recognizes Juan Guaido as interim president, not the government of President Nicolas Maduro.)
The prohibition includes weapons, weapons systems, munitions, and equipment or materials necessary to produce such weapons. Defense services, including testing and repair of weapons, technical assistance, and training, are also prohibited.
The Department of State shall report to Congress on the transfer of the prohibited items and services by foreign persons to the unrecognized Venezuelan government security forces. The report shall also include information on any known use of the prohibited items and services by such security forces.
The unrecognized Venezuelan security forces include (1) the Bolivarian National Armed Forces, including the Bolivarian National Guard; (2) the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service; (3) the Bolivarian National Police; and (4) the Bureau for Scientific, Criminal and Forensic Investigations of the Ministry of Interior, Justice, and Peace.
People & committees
Rep. Shalala, Donna E. [D-FL-27] · D–FL
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2767-2768)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H2767-2768)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 920.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2767-2769)
Mr. Sires moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Committee Agreed to Seek Consideration Under Suspension of the Rules.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.
Source last updated: May 28, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
AI Conversation Starters
Choose a perspective, copy a prompt, and paste it into your preferred AI. Each prompt includes the bill version and available official source links, and asks for counterarguments as well as supporting evidence.
Analyze H.R.920 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.920 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine H.R.920 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
Examine H.R.920 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.