1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the current U.S. military buildup near Venezuela's coast. This escalation is unnecessary, potentially destabilizing, and contrary to our national interests. The deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford, America's largest aircraft carrier, to waters near Latin America is a provocative move that risks heightening tensions in the region. This action, coupled with the ongoing strike campaign against narcotraffic in the Caribbean, appears to be an attempt to pressure or even topple the Venezuelan government led by Nicolás Maduro. Such interventionist policies have historically led to disastrous consequences, both for the targeted nations and for U.S. interests abroad. We must learn from past mistakes and prioritize diplomatic solutions over military posturing. It's crucial to note that Russia has already expressed support for Venezuela, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stating that Russia is "ready to fully act" in Venezuela's defense. While experts believe Russia is unlikely to commit troops due to its current focus on Ukraine, our military presence unnecessarily risks escalating the situation into a broader geopolitical conflict. Furthermore, Venezuela and Russia have established commercial, economic, and military ties, including partnerships in oil, armaments, and cryptocurrencies. They signed a strategic partnership in May, which was ratified in October. Our aggressive stance may push Venezuela further into Russia's sphere of influence, contrary to our long-term strategic interests in the region. I urge you to advocate for the immediate withdrawal of U.S. military forces from the vicinity of Venezuela and to push for a return to diplomatic channels. We should be focusing on addressing the root causes of regional instability through economic cooperation, support for democratic institutions, and humanitarian aid, rather than resorting to military intimidation. The consequences of continued military pressure could be severe, potentially leading to increased refugee flows, economic instability in the region, and the strengthening of anti-U.S. sentiment throughout Latin America. It's time to change course and pursue a policy of engagement and regional cooperation instead of confrontation. I request that you speak out against this military buildup and work with your colleagues to redirect our approach towards Venezuela and the broader Latin American region. Our nation's resources and diplomatic efforts would be better spent addressing domestic issues and fostering positive international relations based on mutual respect and cooperation.