While the U.S. government is moving toward a policy of regime change in Venezuela, its actions may simply lead to a prolonged standoff. In the U.S. Senate, lawmakers are working on a bill that largely codifies much of what is already existing policy, but the measure could also lead to a loss of political and economic power for Venezuela's rulers, as well as prosecutions for crimes against humanity. While the bill's approval would be significant, its stipulations make a negotiated solution to Venezuela's political stalemate highly unlikely. The current government won't agree to talks under the bill's conditions and will instead cling ever more fiercely to power. A Hawkish Approach The bill, which is sponsored by 11 senators, including Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida and Democratic Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey, both Venezuela hawks, reflects the political reality between Venezuela and the United States.