Contact Congress about S. 1221: BOLIVAR Act

U.S. agencies could not sign many contracts with people or companies that knowingly do major business with the Maduro regime in Venezuela. The bill keeps exceptions for aid, U.S. operations, national security, and Treasury-approved activity. The rule would cover contracts signed during the first three years after the bill becomes law.

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BOLIVAR Act is a Senate bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Latest action on S. 1221: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects companies and people that want U.S. government contracts while also doing major business tied to the Maduro regime in Venezuela. It also affects executive branch agencies that buy goods and services. The State Department would decide when exceptions or waivers apply. Venezuelans could be affected if companies change their work in Venezuela, though the bill keeps exceptions for aid and life-saving needs.

Why this matters: This bill matters because it could force companies to choose between some business tied to the Maduro regime and some U.S. government contracts. It tries to pressure the Maduro regime through money and contracts instead of military action. The exceptions aim to keep aid, emergency work, diplomatic activity, and U.S. government operations from being blocked. The real effect is uncertain and would depend on how agencies, the State Department, and Treasury sanctions licensing decisions work in practice.

Key provisions in S. 1221

• U.S. executive branch agencies could not hire certain contractors for goods or services. The ban applies when a person or company knowingly does major business with Venezuelan authorities the United States does not recognize as legitimate.
• The bill covers many kinds of business activity. That includes buying, developing, owning, leasing, selling, or running facilities, equipment, property, products, or services.
• The Secretary of State could still allow some contracts for urgent human needs. This includes humanitarian aid, disaster relief, life-saving work, and evacuations of civilians from danger.
• The Secretary of State could also allow a contract for national security. The Secretary would have to find that the contract serves U.S. national security interests.
• Congress would get notice when certain exceptions are used. The Secretary of State would have to notify named House and Senate committees for humanitarian, relief, evacuation, or national security exceptions.

How Modern Action helps you take action on S. 1221

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about S. 1221

What is S. 1221?

U.S. agencies could not sign many contracts with people or companies that knowingly do major business with the Maduro regime in Venezuela. The bill keeps exceptions for aid, U.S. operations, national security, and Treasury-approved activity. The rule would cover contracts signed during the first three years after the bill becomes law.

How do I support or oppose S. 1221?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about S. 1221?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain S. 1221 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.