WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today released the following statement on President Trump’s use of military force to remove Nicolás Maduro from Venezuela:

“Today, my thoughts are first and foremost on the safety and wellbeing of America’s armed forces, especially the brave Vermonters serving in the Vermont Air National Guard deployed as part of Operation Southern Spear.

“This attack on Venezuela was illegal, unconstitutional, and reckless. President Trump’s hunger for a regime change war makes it clear he doesn’t care about how this unauthorized and illegal action could cause further chaos and suffering in Venezuela. Has he learned nothing from Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya? This could lead us into another forever war, risking the lives of U.S. service members and hurting the economy. There is no question that Nicolás Maduro, whom we all despise, was a corrupt autocrat who caused immense suffering in his country and instability in the region—but today’s actions by the President were wrong and will ultimately weaken our national security.

“And then there is the Trumpian hypocrisy: President Trump claims justification to bring Maduro to federal court in New York City to face drug charges. It will be the same court where the former president of Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernández, was convicted last year of trafficking more than 400 tons of cocaine to the United States and sentenced to 45 years in federal prison — only to be pardoned and freed by President Trump.

“Under our Constitution it is the exclusive responsibility of the United States Congress to authorize an act of war against a foreign country. Congress must immediately return to Washington to debate and vote. It is our obligation, and one of the most solemn, serious decisions we will make as representatives of the American people.”

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