1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

Recent actions by the Trump administration in Venezuela raise serious constitutional, legal, and humanitarian concerns. Reports indicate that the United States conducted a military operation targeting President Nicolás Maduro without prior consultation or authorization from Congress, raising questions about violations of the War Powers Resolution and the Constitution’s allocation of war authority. After the operation, administration officials reportedly stated that the U.S. would “run the country” until a transition could be organized, implying direct involvement in governing a sovereign nation. Such actions undermine international law, risk escalation in the region, and set a dangerous precedent for unilateral executive military interventions. Congress has a duty to oversee the executive branch and ensure that military force and foreign policy actions comply with the Constitution, statutory requirements, and established oversight mechanisms. Oversight should include: - Reviewing the legality and justification of military operations in Venezuela - Subpoenaing officials responsible for planning and executing the operation - Assessing the humanitarian and geopolitical impact of U.S. actions - Ensuring that the executive branch cannot bypass Congress in matters of war and foreign policy Unchecked, these actions threaten U.S. credibility abroad, erode constitutional checks and balances, and risk unnecessary conflict or humanitarian harm. The American people and the Venezuelan population alike deserve accountability and clarity regarding the United States’ role in these events. Congress must act decisively to investigate, hold officials accountable, and prevent future unilateral military interventions without congressional authorization. Oversight is not optional; it is a constitutional obligation necessary to protect both U.S. democracy and global stability.