The US Senate has approved a bill that would freeze the assets of Venezuelan officials accused of human rights violations, barring them from entry to the United States.
The US Senate unanimously passed the measure on Monday, which will now head to the House of Representatives for a debate.
The bill targets Venezuelan officials accused of directing or aiding human rights abuses, including arrests or prosecutions of anti-government protesters.
In February, the Venezuelan government arrested thousands of people who took part in protests that broke out across the country.
The White House has offered approval for the bill making its way through Congress. US President Barack Obama must sign the bill for it to become law.
A senior National Security Council official confirmed last month that Washington would not oppose new sanctions against Venezuela.
In August, the US imposed travel bans on 24 Venezuelan officials over allegations of human rights violations during anti-government protests that left 43 people dead earlier this year.
Caracas and Washington remain at odds since the late Hugo Chavez became president in 1999. Both sides have refused to exchange ambassadors since 2010.
GMA/MHB/AS
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