January 03, 2026
"This is not a careful national security decision. It is a major escalation that puts Americans in Venezuela and across the region at risk and could drag the United States into another conflict without a plan or public support. It also sets an alarming international precedent by normalizing the use of U.S. force to remove foreign leaders. The Administration must brief Congress immediately on the legal basis for this action, what intelligence they relied on, how they plan to prevent further violence and protect civilians, and what they will do to avoid wider instability in the region."
Casten Statement on Military Operations in Venezuela
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) released the following statement regarding United States military operations in Venezuela:
"I strongly condemn President Trump’s unlawful military action in Venezuela. Maduro is an illegitimate ruler, but the President cannot send U.S. forces into another country and seize its leader without Congressional authorization. The Trump Administration has not shown that there was an immediate threat that required acting without Congress, and it has not explained how it will keep Venezuela from sliding into chaos, violence, or a dangerous power vacuum. Secretaries Hegseth and Rubio recently told Congress this was not about forcing political change, but the Administration’s actions prove that they lied.
"This is not a careful national security decision. It is a major escalation that puts Americans in Venezuela and across the region at risk and could drag the United States into another conflict without a plan or public support. It also sets an alarming international precedent by normalizing the use of U.S. force to remove foreign leaders. The Administration must brief Congress immediately on the legal basis for this action, what intelligence they relied on, how they plan to prevent further violence and protect civilians, and what they will do to avoid wider instability in the region."
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