Progressive Caucus Deputy Chair Calls for Immediate Vote to End Trump’s Illegal War on Venezuela
WASHINGTON — Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) Deputy Chair Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-05) released the following statement after news that Trump launched airstrikes inside Venezuela and deposed its head of state:
“Trump’s invasion of Venezuela is blatantly illegal and unconstitutional. He has no authority to deploy U.S. forces into foreign countries to bomb them, capture heads of state, and overthrow governments in regime-change wars. With today’s action, Trump is signaling a new era of open domination of the hemisphere and continued disregard for international law and sovereignty. This is not about combatting narcotrafficking. Trump is putting our servicemembers in harm’s way as he boasts about taking Venezuela’s oil and resources.
“Congress must stand up for its sole constitutional authority to authorize offensive force. We cannot allow Trump to destroy our relationships abroad and create a failed state that triggers violence, mass migration, and regional destabilization. Unless Congress reasserts its war powers, Trump could carry out new, unauthorized actions to depose Maduro’s successor, impose crippling naval blockades, hijack oil tankers, and kill more civilians in airstrikes.
“This is why as Congress returns to session this week, we must vote on a War Powers Resolution, so that the people’s elected representatives can have an open debate and vote on the merits of a war against Venezuela—before Trump’s regime-change efforts cause further chaos and harm. I call on all House members, Democrats and Republicans alike, to stand up for the Constitution and vote to end Trump’s unauthorized aggression.”
In September, the Progressive Caucus introduced the first War Powers Resolution in Congress related to ending Trump’s illegal actions in the hemisphere, led by CPC Members Reps. Omar, García, Greg Casar (TX-35), Jim McGovern (MA-02), and Joaquin Castro (TX-20). This resolution has been deemed as privileged, meaning a floor vote can occur upon Congress’s return to legislative session.
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The Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) is made up of nearly 100 members standing up for progressive ideals in Washington and throughout the country. Since 1991, the CPC has advocated for progressive policies that prioritize working Americans over corporate interests. The CPC champions policies including comprehensive immigration reform, good-paying jobs, fair trade, universal health care, debt-free college, climate action, and a just foreign policy. The caucus is the leading voice calling for bold and sweeping solutions to the urgent crises facing this nation, including ending America’s broken for-profit health care system, raising American wages, eliminating political corruption, supporting the labor movement, and taking action to protect the planet for generations to come.