1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I write to urge you to open a thorough and bipartisan investigation into the handling of approximately $500 million in proceeds from the first sale of Venezuelan oil under the current administration, and how those funds are being managed and accounted for. Context and concerns: 1. Sale of Venezuelan Oil: The United States has reportedly completed a $500 million sale of Venezuelan oil — the first under a broader agreement tied to the U.S. military operation and diplomatic engagement in Venezuela. 2. Offshore Account Handling: Multiple news outlets have reported that proceeds from the sale are being held in bank accounts controlled by the U.S. government, including a primary account located in Qatar, rather than immediately deposited into the U.S. Treasury or delivered directly to Venezuelan authorities. 3. Executive Action: The administration issued an executive order aimed at protecting Venezuelan oil revenue from attachment or judicial seizure, asserting that the funds would be used to advance U.S. foreign policy objectives and support stabilization efforts. 4. Transparency and Oversight Issues: Holding sovereign oil revenue outside of traditional U.S. Treasury accounts, especially in a foreign financial center, raises legitimate questions about transparency, congressional oversight, and accountability — particularly when such funds are not appropriated by Congress before they are committed or spent. 5. Legal Authority and Precedent: There is debate among legal scholars and members of Congress about the scope of executive authority to seize and then control natural-resource revenues of another sovereign nation after military action, and whether investing or holding these funds offshore is consistent with U.S. law and international norms. For these reasons and to preserve trust in U.S. governance, I urge you to support or sponsor an investigation that includes: • A full accounting of all Venezuelan oil revenues collected under U.S. control, including where these funds are held and why offshore banking was chosen. • A review of the legal authority and constitutional basis for the executive branch’s actions regarding foreign sovereign assets and revenue. • Oversight of how any oil sale proceeds are being allocated or disbursed — including whether they are benefiting American taxpayers, intended Venezuelan recipients, or otherwise appropriated by Congress. • An examination of foreign banking arrangements (such as in Qatar), including risk assessments and oversight safeguards. This is not about partisanship — it is about ensuring that U.S. foreign policy, financial practices, and the handling of international assets are transparent, lawful, and subject to democratic oversight. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your leadership in ensuring accountability and clarity.