WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response to President Trump’s announcement regarding U.S. military activities in Venezuela.

“President Trump’s announcement this morning that U.S. forces carried out ‘a large-scale strike against Venezuela’ and have captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife has introduced more chaos and instability into Venezuela. It appears the Trump Administration gave no consideration or plan for what comes next in terms of a functioning government in Venezuela. This vacuum threatens to destabilize South America, will likely have no impact on the drug cartels, and could make the situation worse.

“For weeks, Secretary Rubio and the administration claimed that U.S. activities in the region were not aimed at regime change in Venezuela. Today’s military action, taken without consultation with or authorization from Congress, shows that Secretary Rubio misled the Congress and the American people. The administration must immediately and truthfully brief Congress on its plans in the region and Congress, specifically the Republican majority, must stop abdicating its responsibility.

“I have grave concerns about the impact that today’s actions will have on international relations and the United States’ standing in the world. It appears to violate the very international laws and norms that have protected the United States and our partners and allies for more than 80 years. Based on the administration’s National Security Strategy, I am deeply concerned that this may be an indication of more to come as the administration seeks to dominate the Western Hemisphere.

“Today’s actions will not make Americans safer and do nothing to address the everyday concerns regarding the rising cost of health care, housing, groceries, and other critical issues impacting affordability and the quality of life here at home. These actions run counter to everything Trump campaigned on and rather than ending conflicts the president has chosen to drag the U.S. into further foreign wars."

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