US energy secretary Chris Wright is expected to visit Venezuela as Washington advances a controversial agreement giving the USA extensive access to the country’s oil reserves. Venezuela’s national assembly has approved the deal, although some opposition lawmakers abstained and demanded publication of its full terms. Reports indicate that the arrangement covers 65 billion barrels of reserves and 17 major oilfields under a hundred-year lease. A new company would reportedly include a 35% stake for the US Government, while the state department could purchase part of the production at cost. The interim government, led by Delcy Rodriguez, argues that the agreement could revive its struggling energy sector, but critics have compared it to arrangements imposed historically by colonial powers. US officials say it would serve American national interests and reduce Chinese and Russian influence. The agreement follows increased US involvement in Venezuela since January.