Democrats sharply questioned the plan, including the role of Qatar in managing an account funded by the sale of Venezuelan oil.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to warn that the Trump administration is ready to take new military action against Venezuela if the country's interim leadership strays from U.S. expectations.

A revitalized Venezuelan oil industry could lift production from 800,000 barrels daily back to its peak of 3 million, but the path will be long and costly.

By Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart WASHINGTON, Jan 28 (Reuters) - The United States is handing over to Venezuela a tanker that it seized this month, two U.S. officials told Reuters on Wednesday. The United States has been carrying out a months-long effort to seize oil tankers linked to Venezuela - carrying out seven apprehensions since late last year.

The US Secretary of State remained robustly on message when asked about the legality of Maduro's removal, plans for oil sales, and the future of Venezuela.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio says there's been "good and decent progress” in Venezuela since the United States ousted Nicolas Maduro as leader of the South American country

Democrats lashed Rubio for the administration’s lack of transparency about the Jan. 3 operation to capture ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.