Rep. Becca Balint Offers Support for the Vermont Air National Guard and Opposes Unauthorized Military Actions by the Trump Administration in the Caribbean

Brattleboro, VT - Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement on the deployment of the Vermont Air National Guard's (VTANG) 158th Fighter Wing in support of Operation Southern Spear:

"My heart is with all the Vermont National Guard members and their families as they prepare for a deployment during the holidays. Vermonters are proud of the brave men and women who sacrifice a lot to serve in the National Guard, representing both Vermont and our country. I know I speak for all Vermonters when I say that I am praying for their safe return back home when their deployment is over."

"I am, however, deeply concerned about the Trump administration's decision to deploy the 158th Fighter Wing of the Vermont Air National Guard (VTANG). Any deployment must be based on lawful authority, and full transparency must be provided to Congress. Wile the media is reporting that VTANG will be deploying to the Caribbean to take part in Operation Southern Spear, the Vermont congressional delegation has received zero notice, information, or clarity about the location, duration, and purpose of this deployment. This is not normal, nor should it be tolerated."

"The decision to send our service members into harm's way must be rooted in a clear mission and safety. It should not be based on unpredictable, unilateral and unlawful directives from any president. I have witnessed the Trump administration violate Congress's constitutional authority and conduct unauthorized military activity. None of the strikes on boats in the Caribbean, which have killed more than 80 people, were authorized by Congress. This administration has continually failed to provide a justification for this use of lethal force."

"Vermonters have been clear with me: they do not support our entanglement in a war with Venezuela. I unwaveringly support our troops and their families, but I do not support military action without Congressional authorization."

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