Rep. Bera Statement on U.S. Military Action in Venezuela

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06), a senior Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, issued a statement on the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and President Trump's announcement that the United States will "run" Venezuela:

"Nicolás Maduro is an illegitimate leader who has inflicted hardship on the people of Venezuela. I hope this moment leads to a real democratic transition driven by the Venezuelan people.

"But the decision to launch military strikes without congressional input, support, or authorization is deeply concerning and illegal. President Trump has failed to present a clear and credible strategy for governance or democratic transition in Venezuela. He is drawing our nation into another open-ended conflict and risking a repeat of failed nation-building efforts.

"The Administration must brief Congress immediately. As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I expect both committees to hold prompt and thorough briefings."