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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) released the following statement regarding United States military operations in Venezuela:

“I strongly condemn President Trump’s unlawful military action in Venezuela. Maduro is an illegitimate ruler, but the President cannot send U.S. forces into another country and seize its leader without Congressional authorization. The Trump Administration has not shown that there was an immediate threat that required acting without Congress, and it has not explained how it will keep Venezuela from sliding into chaos, violence, or a dangerous power vacuum. Secretaries Hegseth and Rubio recently told Congress this was not about forcing political change, but the Administration’s actions prove that they lied.

“This is not a careful national security decision. It is a major escalation that puts Americans in Venezuela and across the region at risk and could drag the United States into another conflict without a plan or public support. It also sets an alarming international precedent by normalizing the use of U.S. force to remove foreign leaders. The Administration must brief Congress immediately on the legal basis for this action, what intelligence they relied on, how they plan to prevent further violence and protect civilians, and what they will do to avoid wider instability in the region.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland
January 3, 2026                                                    202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

PLASKETT STATEMENT ON U.S. MILITARY ACTION IN VENEZUELA AND FAA AIRSPACE CLOSURE

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-USVI) released the following statement today regarding military action in Venezuela and the closure of airspace covering Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA):

“I was informed that the FAA issued a security order closing airspace at all altitudes in the flight region of military action in Venezuela. I urge all Virgin Islanders and travelers to contact their airlines directly for updates on flight schedules and travel arrangements.

“The safety and security of Virgin Islanders and all Americans remains my top priority.  Given the U.S. Virgin Islands’ proximity to Venezuela and our position in the Caribbean, I will make sure to keep Virgin Islanders informed.  As a member of the Intelligence Committee, I will await any briefing to Committee members from the administration and share what information I am able to give to the public.   

“Additionally, my office has spoken with a regional representative from the U.S. Postal Service who has informed us that all Priority and Priority Express packages inbound and outbound will not arrive or be delivered today due to the airspace restriction.  The U.S. Postal service assured my office that they will work diligently to rectify the interruption once the airspace reopens.

“My office will continue to monitor this developing situation closely and provide updates to constituents as more information becomes available.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon Issues Statement on Venezuela Strikes and Capture of Nicolás Maduro

Omaha, Neb. – Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) issued the following statement regarding the recent strikes in Venezuela and capture of Nicolás Maduro:

“Maduro and his predecessor took Venezuela from the richest to the poorest country in South America, and destroyed its democracy. The operations last night are great for the future of Venezuelans and the region. My main concern now is that Russia will use this to justify their illegal and barbaric military actions against Ukraine, or China to justify an invasion of Taiwan. Freedom and rule of law were defended last night, but dictators will try to exploit this to rationalize their selfish objectives.”

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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