Lawmakers Raise Concerns Over U.S.-Venezuela Operation

Tom Darby

Several Nevada members of Congress are voicing concern over a U.S. operation in Venezuela, arguing Congress did not receive proper notification and that the action raises constitutional and security questions.

Rep. Steven Horsford said any military action requires congressional oversight and approval. In a statement, Horsford said only Congress has the authority to approve military force in an act of war and criticized the lack of notification ahead of the operation, claiming that oversight, transparency, and accountability are constitutional requirements, not optional considerations.

U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen also questioned the operation, warning it could draw the United States into additional overseas conflicts. Rosen said the action risks destabilizing the region, increasing migration pressures, and placing U.S. service members in harm’s way without congressional input. She said decisions of this magnitude should involve the American people through their elected representatives.

Rep. Susie Lee echoed those concerns, saying the operation raises more questions than answers. Lee said Americans are opposed to another prolonged military conflict and criticized the administration for acting without congressional authorization. She pointed to past U.S. conflicts that began without clear exit strategies, resulting in significant loss of life.

U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto also said the operation does not align with constitutional requirements. In a statement, she said the president does not have unilateral authority to bypass Congress when U.S. lives are at risk. Cortez Masto criticized the administration for failing to provide details about long-term plans following the action, aside from broad statements about U.S. involvement in Venezuela.

Separately, both Rosen and Cortez Masto are named in claims circulated by Venezuela’s former chief of national intelligence alleging U.S. lawmakers received money from the Maduro regime.