McClellan Statement on Military Strikes on Venezuela and Arrest of Nicolás Maduro

Washington, D.C. -Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) issued the following statement after the Trump Administration launched U.S. military strikes on Venezuela and announced the capture of Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro and his wife:

"Without Congressional approval, the Trump Administration's illegal military strikes on Venezuela have thrown us into frighteningly uncharted territory. In the process, they have put the lives of our servicemembers at needless risk, damaged our reputation as a global leader and threatened to drag our nation into a senseless war. This clear violation of the Constitution is beyond reckless.

"Maduro's illegitimate rule over Venezuela and his blatant suppression of democracy cannot be overlooked, but this alone does not justify war and an American-led regime change using our taxpayer resources to 'run the country' of Venezuela. The Administration repeatedly told Congress that it did not intend to use military force in Venezuela. This was a lie.

"The Administration's actions today undermine the delicate trust built between the United States and Latin America, sending a disturbing message to other world leaders that we do not respect the sovereignty of other countries. They invite our adversaries to do the same and undermine our moral standing to oppose similar actions by Russia or China to launch large-scale military operations in their neighboring countries.

"The President has a duty to share with Congress his legal justification for this decision, and Congress must act swiftly to prevent further bloodshed and secure stability in the region during this critical time."