House bill from Rep. Casten would require audit of US-Venezuela energy agreement

U.S. Rep. Sean Casten has introduced a bill in the House that seeks to review federal agencies' actions and assess risks tied to the recently announced United States-Venezuela energy agreement, according to the U.S. Congress.

Known as H.R.7819, the bill was brought forward on March 5, 2026, during the regular session of the 119th Congress. The following summary is based on the official bill text and aims to clarify the bill’s primary provisions.

The legislation directs the Comptroller General of the United States to audit activities by federal agencies related to the United States-Venezuela energy deal and assess any risks of fraud, abuse, or conflicts of interest. The audit must begin within 30 days of the bill becoming law, with an initial briefing due within 30 days after the audit is completed. Congress is to receive a detailed, unclassified report with findings and recommendations within 90 days after the conclusion of the audit. If necessary, a classified annex may be included, intended to maintain transparency over the management and use of proceeds from Venezuelan oil sales under U.S. government control.

Rep. Sean Casten (Democrat-IL-6th District) is the bill’s primary sponsor, joined by co-sponsor Rep. Joaquin Castro (Democrat-IL-20th District).

In the current session, Rep. Casten has sponsored an additional 37 bills.

S.3838, a related measure, was introduced in the Senate on Feb. 11, 2026. Congressional documents categorize S.3838 as an identical companion to H.R.7819.

Congressional bills may begin in either the House or the Senate, except for bills concerning revenue, which originate in the House. After being introduced, bills go to committees for review, potential hearings, and amendment before being debated and voted on in each chamber. If both the House and Senate pass the same version, the legislation proceeds to the president for signature or veto. Congress acts in two-year terms, each divided into two yearly sessions. Legislative records and the process are managed by Congress and published on Congress.gov.

Sean Casten is a representative from Illinois who was first elected as a Democrat to the 116th Congress and has served in each subsequent Congress since January 3, 2019. He earned a B.A. from Middlebury College and both an M.S. and M.E.M. from Dartmouth College.