PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Congressional Research Service
Version 36 · Passed House amended · Dec 7, 2017
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; (3) respect the constitutional rights of the National Assembly; and (4) open a channel for international humanitarian assistance and medicines.
Calls for Organization of American States (OAS) member states to continue: (1) efforts to support the principles of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, regardless of Venezuela's intent to withdraw from the OAS; and (2) calls for the Venezuelan government to hold free and fair elections and release all political prisoners in a timely manner.
Recognizes the leadership of OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro in building a coalition of OAS member states in support of democracy and human rights for the Venezuelan people.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
Encourages the President of the United States to prioritize: (1) a resolution of the political, economic, social, and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela; and (2) an effective response to the growing regional refugee crisis in Venezuela through multilateral cooperation with partners at the OAS and United Nations and through targeted sanctions against individuals responsible for the deterioration of democratic institutions and the rule of law.
People & committees
Rep. DeSantis, Ron [R-FL-6] · R–FL
Legislative record
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Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
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)
House roll call 667 · Individual votesPassed/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)
House roll call 667 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H9730-9731)
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.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 259.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H9659-9663)
Mr. Royce (CA) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended).
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere.
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
AI Conversation Starters
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Analyze H.Res.259 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.Res.259 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.Res.259 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.Res.259 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.