Horsford Statement on Venezuela Strike

LAS VEGAS, NV – Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) today released the following statement about the Trump Administration’s unauthorized military strike overnight against Venezuela which deposed its leader, entangled the United States in nation-building once again, and appeared to be driven largely by access to Venezuela’s oil resources.

“Nevadans struggling through the Trump Slump get no relief from another reckless attempt at nation-building abroad,” Rep. Horsford said. “President Trump is occupying Venezuela for corporate oil profits while the American people are clamoring for affordability relief here at home.

“Only Congress can approve military force in an act of war – that’s why I led an effort calling for Congressional notification for ANY military action,” Rep. Horsford continued. “Oversight, transparency, and accountability are not just ‘nice-to-haves’ – they’re what the American people expect, what our service members in harm’s way deserve,and what our Constitution requires.  

“The Trump administration broke our laws and endangered our troops for a strike that was not legitimately authorized, and that has no articulated or feasible plan for transition or stabilization going forward,” Rep. Horsford added. “Claiming the United States will ‘run’ Venezuela raises even more questions that demand an immediate briefing to Congress.”

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