Krishnamoorthi and Castro Introduce No Occupation of Venezuela (NOVA) Act to Block Taxpayer-Funded Occupation and Oil Company Reimbursement in Venezuela

WASHINGTON - Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and Congressman Joaquin Castro today introduced the No Occupation of Venezuela (NOVA) Act of 2026, legislation to prohibit the use of any federal funds-military or civilian, direct or indirect-to occupy, administer, or assert U.S. control over Venezuela, including through taxpayer-backed reimbursement or subsidies for oil company expansion and infrastructure in the country.

The legislation comes as President Donald Trump has publicly stated that the United States could "run" Venezuela, take control of its oil resources, and use American tax dollars to support or reimburse oil companies operating there. The NOVA Act makes clear that Congress has not authorized-and will not finance-any U.S. occupation of Venezuela, any assertion of control over its economy or resources, or any oil-driven foreign entanglement funded by taxpayers.

"At a time when families are stretching every dollar for groceries, housing, and health care, American taxpayers should not be forced to bankroll an overseas occupation or subsidize Big Oil's return to Venezuela at Donald Trump's direction," said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. "The NOVA Act draws a clear line: no president gets to spend Americans' money on foreign occupations or oil deals without Congress-and without the consent of the American people."

"The American people want affordable healthcare, not to spend billions or more on 'running' Venezuela," said Congressman Castro. "The NOVA Act would block the president from occupying Venezuela and prevent him from enriching himself, his cronies and oil companies in the process."

What the NOVA Act Does

• Blocks funding for occupation or control: Prohibits any federal funds from being used to support U.S. possession, supervision, jurisdiction, or control over Venezuelan territory or resources, whether through military or civilian means.

• Stops oil-sector reimbursement and expansion: Bars taxpayer dollars from being used to subsidize, reimburse, or otherwise support oil company expansion, reconstruction, or resource control in Venezuela.

• Closes executive loopholes: Prevents the Executive Branch from shifting from military action to civilian governance or economic administration without explicit congressional authorization.

• Preserves emergency humanitarian assistance: Ensures emergency humanitarian aid to the Venezuelan people is not restricted.

The text of the legislation is here.