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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued the following statement:

Nicolas Maduro is a criminal and authoritarian dictator who has oppressed the people of Venezuela for years. He is not the legitimate head of government. Undoubtedly, the rule of law and democracy have broken down in Venezuela and the people of that country deserve better. 

Donald Trump has the constitutional responsibility to follow the law and protect democratic norms in the United States. That is what putting America First requires. 

The Trump administration has not sought congressional authorization for the use of military force and has failed to properly notify Congress in advance of the operation in Venezuela. The promotion of security and stability in a region requires more than just military force as we painfully discovered in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

Far too many questions remain unanswered, including with respect to whether further military actions are planned. First, how many American troops remain on the ground in Venezuela? Second, what does America is going to run Venezuela until a judicious transition takes place mean? Third, were these military strikes about seizing foreign oil to benefit friends of the Trump administration? Fourth, why did Donald Trump pardon the former Honduran President, a narco trafficker convicted in an American court of law, but is willing to take us to war in Venezuela in connection with similar allegations?

Pursuant to the Constitution, the framers gave Congress the sole power to declare war as the branch of government closest to the American people. The House and Senate must be briefed immediately and compelling evidence to explain and justify this unauthorized use of military force should be presented forthwith.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

CHICAGO — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) issued the following statement on the unauthorized attack by the Trump administration against Venezuela:

“I strongly condemn Trump’s strikes and regime change operation in Venezuela, which he undertook without Congressional consultation and in violation of international law.

“Trump’s actions will not stop fentanyl trafficking, as Venezuela doesn’t produce any. Instead, in an imperialist assertion of hemispheric control, Trump’s actions open the doors to his own self-enrichment and that of his oil-executive donors.

 “The American people overwhelmingly oppose military action against Venezuela. Speaker Johnson must reconvene Congress so that we can be briefed on this matter and vote to oppose further attacks.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

Rep. Gomez Statement on U.S. Military Operation in Venezuela

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — Speaker Johnson today released the following statement:

“I have spoken in the last several hours with Secretary Rubio and Secretary Hegseth, and the nation will hear from President Trump in his address at 11am ET.

“Today’s military action in Venezuela was a decisive and justified operation that will protect American lives.

“Nicolas Maduro is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans after years of trafficking illegal drugs and violent cartel members into our country — crimes for which he’s been properly indicted in U.S. courts and an arrest warrant duly issued — and today he learned what accountability looks like.

“President Trump is putting American lives first, succeeding where others have failed, and under his leadership the United States will no longer allow criminal regimes to profit from wreaking havoc and destruction on our country.

“The Trump Administration is working to schedule briefings for Members as Congress returns to Washington next week.

“Our brave military personnel who executed a precise, successful operation deserve our gratitude and congratulations.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement after President Trump announced the United States carried out an unauthorized “large-scale” military operation in Venezuela, leading to the capture of Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro and his wife:

The Trump Administration’s decision to apprehend and detain President Maduro is a breathtaking abuse of power, a flagrant violation of the Constitution and international law, and a dangerous escalation that undermines long-standing diplomatic norms. Just a few weeks ago, Secretaries Rubio and Hegseth told every U.S. Senator that their actions in the region—which were already legally dubious—had nothing to do with regime change. That was clearly a lie.

Make no mistake: Nicolás Maduro is a ruthless dictator who has repeatedly engaged in antidemocratic practices—including rigging the 2024 election, as has been reported by many international observers. His policies have led to economic collapse, widespread human rights abuses, and the displacement of millions of Venezuelans, creating a humanitarian crisis that has had a devastating impact across the international stage. Maduro’s dangerous leadership and destructive actions deserve unequivocal international condemnation.

But the President does not have the authority to carry out military or paramilitary actions, seize foreign leaders, or pursue regime change without the explicit authorization of Congress. No such authorization was sought or granted. Bypassing Congress in this way is a direct violation of the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution, and it sets a deeply alarming precedent for unchecked executive power in matters of war and peace.

This reckless move risks destabilizing an already fragile region, puts millions of civilians at risk, and further isolates us from our friends and allies. I will demand answers and accountability from this Administration, and work with my colleagues to ensure that no further unauthorized actions are taken without congressional approval.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)

“Thirty-five years ago, the United States arrested Manuel Noriega, an indicted foreign leader tied to drug trafficking—an episode that underscored the importance of the rule of law even in times of conflict. Today’s capture of Nicolás Maduro, along with highly targeted strikes against narcoterrorist infrastructure, draws that historical parallel and reminds us that American strength lies not only in decisive action, but in restraint, judgment, and adherence to law.

“Today is an important moment for democracy, peace, and the future of children across Latin America and the United States. It offers hope to countless victims of narco-violence and supports our friends in Mexico and throughout the region who seek to live without fear, corruption, or criminal control. This moment also presents an opportunity for honest, moral leadership in Venezuela to begin the difficult work of restoring stability, accountability, and opportunity—outcomes that are in the shared interest of Venezuela, Mexico, Latin America, and the United States.

“I thank the men and women of our military and law enforcement for their courage and professionalism, and I urge that the next steps be guided by de-escalation, protection of innocent lives, regional stability, and respect for constitutional and international norms.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06)

Rep. Cline Statement on U.S. Capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

Wasserman Schultz on Maduro’s Capture

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced the University of Memphis will receive two grants totaling more than $3 million from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. One grant, for $2 million, will help bridge gaps in traditional commercial vehicle enforcement monitoring. The other, $1,232,003, will go toward testing passive radio frequency identification sensors to accurately read tire pressure and temperature on trucks.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“I am pleased to see these investments in the safety and efficiency of our commercial truck fleets. Modernizing trucking will save costs and result in greater safety on our highways.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) joined Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Dr. Lauren Smith, Chief Medical Officer, Donnica Austin-Cathey, Chief Hospital Executive–Stroger, and other Cook County leaders today at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County to warn that the expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits at midnight will sharply raise health care costs and place severe strain on Cook County Health and its flagship safety-net hospital.

“Letting these ACA tax credits expire isn’t an accident—it’s a choice,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. “Republican leadership must allow a vote to extend these credits and stop blocking action to protect Medicaid from devastating cuts. Without action, premiums will nearly double, families will lose coverage overnight, and Cook County Health and Illinois taxpayers will be forced to absorb the fallout.”

“At Cook County Health, we will help patients navigate coverage changes, and provide the care they need, but we can not do it alone.  Our efforts will not be able to offset the loss of federal support. Letting the Affordable Care Act subsidies expire will cost people in our community their insurance, their health, and in some cases, their lives. We urge policymakers to consider the consequences of allowing these subsidies to expire,” said Donnica Austin-Cathey, Chief Hospital Executive, Stroger Hospital, Cook County Health. 

More than 550,000 Illinois residents are enrolled in the ACA marketplace in 2025, including over 360,000 Cook County residents, roughly 90 percent of whom rely on premium tax credits to afford coverage. If the credits expire, average monthly ACA premiums in Cook County are projected to rise by about 95 percent, pricing many families out of insurance overnight.

Health care leaders warned that coverage losses will hit safety-net hospitals first. In 2023, charity and discounted care at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital totaled nearly $140 million, almost six times more than the next closest hospital in Illinois. Increased uncompensated care is expected to place additional financial pressure on Cook County Health and local taxpayers.

The ACA coverage cliff comes as Cook County Health faces additional strain from President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which cut Medicaid by more than $1 trillion nationwide and imposed new work requirements. More than 3 million Illinois residents—one in four statewide—depend on Medicaid, which accounts for approximately 56 percent of Cook County Health’s patient revenue. The system estimates it could lose $88 million annually in Medicaid reimbursements as patients lose coverage.

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