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

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.

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.

Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. All summary versions on Congress.gov