The Lobbyist Connection
Week of January 5, 2026
Happy New Year — wishing you and your clients a prosperous 2026. This week’s edition tracks (1) the fast-moving legislative response to the President’s Venezuela operation and (2) the coming Jan. 30 funding cliff.
By Jay C. Taylor
Top Lines
  • Venezuela shockwave: Nicolás Maduro is in U.S. custody and appearing in federal court on narco-terrorism/drug-trafficking-related charges after a U.S. raid in Caracas — triggering immediate War Powers, oversight, and international-law backlash. Reuters | UN/legal reaction
  • Funding showdown incoming: Congress faces a Jan. 30 deadline for much of the federal government; appropriators unveiled a new three-bill FY26 package as the first big step to prevent another shutdown. Axios | House Appropriations (official)
  • Airspace after-effects: U.S. temporarily restricted Caribbean airspace amid the Venezuela operation, then lifted curbs; carriers worked to restore service. Reuters
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Legislation to Watch
The core legislative question: Was the President’s Venezuela operation “hostilities” requiring authorization or War Powers compliance? Expect rapid sequencing: classified briefings → resolutions → funding/limitations riders.
  • War Powers — Senate: S.J.Res.90 directs removal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities “within or against Venezuela” absent authorization. Congress.gov | Senate Roll Call (11/06/2025)
  • War Powers — House: H.Con.Res.64 similarly directed removal of forces; it failed on the floor (Dec. 17 vote), but the framework is clearly back on the table for “no further action” constraints. Congress.gov
  • No-funds / authorization bar: S.3344 (“Prohibiting Unauthorized Military Action in Venezuela Act of 2025”) would restrict use of funds for hostilities except pursuant to post-enactment authorization. Congress.gov | Bill text
  • Oversight posture: Reports indicate lawmakers are demanding briefings on legal authority, objectives, civilian harm, and “next strikes” planning. Washington Post | Reuters
Regulatory Moves
  • OFAC: Oil sanctions enforcement & evasion: Treasury announced actions targeting sanctions evasion tied to the Maduro regime’s oil sector. Treasury (Dec. 11, 2025) | Treasury (Dec. 30, 2025)
  • OFAC: Iran–Venezuela weapons trade: Treasury targeted a network tied to Iran–Venezuela weapons/drone-related activity. Treasury (Dec. 23, 2025)
  • Venezuela sanctions program hub: Reference page for program info, lists, and resources (useful for compliance teams and client updates). OFAC program page
  • Bond/GL update: OFAC issued Venezuela-related General License 5T related to the PDVSA 2020 bond on/after Feb. 3, 2026. OFAC recent action (12/19/2025)
Sponsor Spotlight
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Legal Industry & Judiciary
  • Maduro’s U.S. case tees up immunity and extraterritoriality fights: the proceedings are expected to test head-of-state immunity arguments and the legality of the capture itself. Charges explainer (Reuters) | International-law focus (Reuters)
  • War Powers litigation risk: If hostilities continue, expect fast-track suits over War Powers compliance, appropriations limitations, and “political question” defenses — with urgent briefing and emergency motions likely. S.3344 text
Supreme Court Watch
The Court’s January argument sitting begins Jan. 12. Official argument calendar (PDF)
Statehouse Watch
Action Items
  1. Prep your Venezuela brief: One-page for principals covering: legal authority claim, War Powers posture, likely committee venues (SFRC/HFAC, SASC/HASC, Approps), and near-term legislative vehicles. Start with S.J.Res.90
  2. Update compliance teams: Re-circulate OFAC resources and recent Treasury actions for any clients touching energy, shipping, finance, or LATAM exposure. OFAC Venezuela program page
  3. Budget showdown watchlist: Map your client priorities to the FY26 bills moving this week (CJS, Energy & Water, Interior/Environment) and the remaining six bills still outstanding. Three-bill package (official)
Calendar & Deadlines
  • Jan. 12, 2026: Supreme Court January argument sitting begins. Calendar (PDF)
  • Jan. 30, 2026: Funding deadline for much of the federal government (post-CR). House Appropriations (CR details) | CRFB tracker
  • Jan. 28, 2026: NH SOS lobbyist statement deadline (for 2025 session registrants). NH SOS
  • Feb. 3, 2026: OFAC Venezuela-related GL 5T references PDVSA 2020 bond transactions on/after this date. OFAC notice
Careers & Openings (Federal & States)
A few current listings worth a look (always verify closing dates and eligibility).
  • NASA HQ — Legislative Affairs Specialist (GS-14) USAJOBS
  • ATF — Chief, Legislative Affairs Division USAJOBS
  • USNORTHCOM/NORAD — Senior Advisor, Legislative Affairs USAJOBS
  • Congressional Research Service — Public Affairs Specialist USAJOBS
  • Private sector & associations — job board Daybook listings
  • Public Affairs Council board — Government Affairs roles PAC Jobs
BREAKING IN
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© 2026 The Lobbyist Connection • Compiled by Jay C. Taylor
Tip: For client-forwarding, keep subject lines tight: “Venezuela War Powers + Jan 30 Funding Cliff — Week of 1/5”

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