Rep. Mike Levin to Introduce New Bill to Prevent Taxpayer Dollars from Being Used by Oil Companies in Venezuela
New Bicameral Legislation Will Prevent Government from Propping Up Big Oil Profits in Venezuela
Washington, D.C.—Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) announced that he plans to introduce new legislation in the coming weeks that would prevent American taxpayer dollars from being used to rebuild Venezuela’s oil infrastructure for the benefit of Big Oil companies. Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley will pursue the Senate companion of this bill.
Following the U.S. military operation in Venezuela, President Trump stated that oil companies would go into Venezuela to build out oil production infrastructure and that the United States would “reimburse” their investments. Independent analysts say that under current market conditions oil companies do not have an incentive to invest substantially in Venezuela unless they are subsidized by the American public. At the same time, analysts have found that increased production in Venezuela is unlikely to bring down gas prices in the United States.
The new bicameral legislation would prevent taxpayer dollars from being used to help oil companies turn a profit off of Trump’s military operation in Venezuela. The legislation will be introduced in the coming weeks in both the House and the Senate.
“I will be introducing new House legislation to prevent American taxpayer dollars from being used to rebuild Venezuela’s oil infrastructure,” said Rep. Levin. “Americans’ money should never be used for backroom deals or other schemes that help Big Oil companies turn a profit on the Trump Administration’s operation in Venezuela. Taxpayers should not be on the hook for risky foreign oil projects that boost Big Oil profits and won’t lower costs at home.”
“American taxpayers have no business funding oil infrastructure in Venezuela,” said Sen. Merkley. “Congress must stand up to Trump’s reckless vision of making Big Oil even richer at the expense of American families. In fact, Trump’s plans could cost $100 billion to modernize Venezuela’s oil infrastructure to make a big profit for Big Oil. I think every American can think of a lot of issues, including health care, housing, and American infrastructure, where that money can be a hell of a lot better spent.”
In 2024, on the campaign trail, President Trump asked oil industry executives to donate $1 billion to his campaign and in return he would deliver on their wish list. President Trump is intent on keeping his promise to Big Oil.
At a time when millions of Americans can’t afford health care and are struggling to afford basic necessities, President Trump is more interested in regime change, foreign nation building, and giving handouts to his campaign supporters like Big Oil.
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