Scott Supports War Powers Resolution to direct the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after voting in favor of H.Con.Res. 68, a War Powers Resolution directing the removal of United States Armed Forces from Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress.

"It is incumbent on Congress to reassert its Article I constitutional war powers as the President has unilaterally attacked Venezuela, captured its president, and used deeply concerning rhetoric toward our NATO allies, including over who should control Greenland.

"As I stated last monthwhen the House voted on two earlier War Powers Resolutions, the conduct of a foreign leader, however reprehensible, does not give any president the authority to disregard the Constitution or bypass Congress absent a clear and imminent threat to the United States. Our failure to act sets a dangerous precedent, weakens the legislative branch as a coequal branch of government, and grants this and future presidents unchecked power.

"All Members should be troubled that the Trump Administration has still failed to identify a clear legal basis for its military strikes in the Caribbean, the Eastern Pacific, and Venezuela, or for the capture of a foreign head of state. Even more concerning, the administration's justification has continually shifted. At first, it claimed this was about drug interdiction, despite evidence that such military actions are among the least effective and most costly approaches. Now, it appears the real motive may be access to Venezuela's oil reserves.

"The American people expect Congress to demand answers, confront these abuses, and uphold the Constitution by reasserting its war powers."

# # #