Krishnamoorthi Announces No Occupation of Venezuela (NOVA) Act to Stop Trump Administration Power Grab

WASHINGTON - Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) announced today his intention to introduce the No Occupation of Venezuela (NOVA) Act, legislation to prohibit the use of any federal funds-military or civilian, direct or indirect-to further in any way the occupation or internal administration of Venezuela.

The NOVA Act reasserts Congress's constitutional power of the purse by cutting off funding for any U.S. effort to occupy, govern, or administer Venezuela, whether through military force or civilian authorities. The legislation makes explicit that there is no authorization for the United States to run Venezuela's government, energy sector, financial system, or law enforcement, including through the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Treasury Department, or any other federal entity.

"At a moment when families are getting hit with rising costs of living, President Trump is trying to drag the country toward another overseas occupation he has no authority to start," said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. "The Constitution is clear: Congress controls the money, and Congress has not approved the United States occupying or running Venezuela-militarily, economically, or administratively. Americans do not want another endless entanglement abroad or their tax dollars used to subsidize an occupation while health care and Medicaid are on the chopping block at home. The NOVA Act stops this power grab cold."

Under the NOVA Act, no funds of the federal government may be used, directly or indirectly, to further the occupation or internal administration of Venezuela, ensuring the Executive Branch cannot pivot from military action to civilian control, economic administration, or sector-by-sector takeover without explicit congressional authorization. The legislation will not prohibit the provision of emergency humanitarian assistance, preserving aid to the Venezuelan people while preventing any U.S. occupation or governance of the country.