diff --git a/capa/rules.py b/capa/rules.py
index 78c566fc..6fa9a4c4 100644
--- a/capa/rules.py
+++ b/capa/rules.py
@@ -145,7 +145,7 @@ class InvalidRuleSet(ValueError):
         return str(self)
 
 
-def ensure_feature_valid_for_scope(scope: str, feature: Feature):
+def ensure_feature_valid_for_scope(scope: str, feature: Union[Feature, Statement]):
     # if the given feature is a characteristic,
     # check that is a valid characteristic for the given scope.
     if (