DeGette Statement on Trump’s Unconstitutional Military Action Against Venezuela

DENVER, CO — Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) released the following statement after Donald Trump announced that the United States launched a large-scale strike against Venezuela, capturing President Nicolas Maduro and his wife:
 
“While Nicolas Maduro is certainly an illegitimate leader, the United States does not have the authority to unilaterally invade another country, capture its leader and his wife, and haul them to the United States. After repeated assurances from this administration that it was not pursuing regime change, today’s military action calls into question the credibility of those who made those claims. 

“Due to our concerns in Congress over this type of rogue activity from the administration, there were bipartisan war powers resolutions on the House floor that would have protected Congress’ Constitutional authority. Unfortunately, Republicans abdicated their responsibility and voted them down. 
 
“Congress holds the sole power to declare war and authorize military force. Even if Donald Trump believes that Venezuela is a threat to the United States, he has the Constitutional obligation to present his case to Congress and obtain war powers authority before pursuing a strike like the one carried out last night in Venezuela. 

“Speaker Johnson must immediately reconvene Congress to address this unconstitutional and destabilizing abuse of power.”