Rep. Brown Statement on Trump Administration’s Escalating Actions in Venezuela

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Shontel M. Brown (OH-11) today issued a statement after the Trump Administration announced an overnight military operation in Venezuela, including air strikes and the capture and extradition of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

“This President is out of control. Trump’s unhinged remarks this morning make it clear that this White House is lawless, reckless, and already in over their head. I am profoundly worried by what could happen next, because Trump told us he would be a dictator on day one. This madness must stop before we endanger American lives. 

“I have no sympathy for Nicolás Maduro or his corrupt regime. But that is not the point. The point is that the President does not get to drag our country into war on his own. The Constitution is clear: Only Congress has the power to declare war. The American people deserve answers,” said Congresswoman Brown

“What threat was so immediate and so serious that we had to take military action — and why hasn’t the President explained it to the American people? Why did President Trump pardon an ex-Honduran president convicted of drug trafficking, using drug trafficking as the rationale to invade Venezuela? What is the objective? What is the strategy? What is the plan for what happens next? And how is this important for the American people?

“War in Venezuela is not in our national interest. I am extremely concerned that this reckless and chaotic administration is once again putting our country on a dangerous path, without a plan, without accountability, and without the consent of the American people.” Congresswoman Brown added.

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