Press Releases

Today, Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement:

“President Trump’s decision to bypass Congress and conduct a military operation to capture Nicolás Maduro and bring him to the United States to stand trial is a grave and illegal abuse of power. It is also indefensible that President Trump would choose to funnel taxpayer dollars into unauthorized military action in Venezuela for the expressed interest of oil, rather than addressing the urgent needs of millions of Americans struggling with rising health care costs.

“While Nicolás Maduro is, in fact, an illegitimate leader, the deployment of U.S. military power to impose political change in a sovereign nation—without the consent of Congress or a clear and defined plan of action—threatens to draw the United States into an indefinite conflict in Venezuela. We cannot understate the severity of the consequences that could follow from such reckless actions, which threaten regional stability and weaken our standing on the world stage.

“Moreover, President Trump’s stated intention to assume control over Venezuela is wholly unacceptable. We call on the Trump administration, without hesitation, to provide comprehensive briefings to the Gang of Eight, as well as to all Members of the House and Senate.”