The sponsor of the bill, Connie Mack: "The evidence linking Venezuela's Hugo Chavez to the FARC and Hezbollah - two of the most dangerous terrorist organizations, responsible for many bombings, kidnappings, killings and drug trafficking - is overwhelming. Naming Venezuela as a state sponsor of terrorism will strengthen the stability of the region. The Administration must not turn a blind eye to Chavez's dangerous aggression and must add Venezuela to the state sponsors of terrorism without delay."

HR 872 is round two for Mack. On March 13, 2008, he co-sponsored HR 1049. The resolution died in the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Implications are serious as the designation means halting normal relations, prohibiting exportation and operation there, and denying vital Venezuelan oil.