Stop Unauthorized U.S. Military Action in Venezuela

A Looming Conflict That Must Be Stopped I write today in urgent opposition to the growing possibility of U.S. military action against Venezuela and to urge you to act now to uphold diplomacy, law, and congressional oversight. Why War Powers Oversight Matters Now While the United States has legitimate interests in stopping illicit trafficking, recent deployments far exceed those goals. A major carrier strike group and other U.S. assets have been positioned near Venezuela, raising the risk of hostilities that Congress has never authorized. The War Powers Resolution requires congressional approval for such operations. Unproven Claims and Expanding Military Reach Public statements describe these actions as counter-drug missions, yet the scale and proximity of forces suggest preparation for confrontation. Strategic bombers have flown near Venezuela’s coast, and U.S. forces have struck small boats in nearby waters. Without transparent evidence linking these operations to a lawful, imminent threat, any further escalation would violate international norms, erode regional trust, and risk civilian harm. Threats to Peace, Stability, and U.S. Credibility A military clash could unleash humanitarian crises, refugee flows, and regional instability. Latin American nations have long declared the Caribbean a “Zone of Peace.” Military escalation would undercut diplomacy, embolden extremists, and drain resources from cooperation on crime, climate, and migration. It would also erode U.S. moral authority in a hemisphere that already views armed intervention with deep suspicion. Essential Steps Congress Must Take Now • Speak out clearly against any military action in or around Venezuela. • Support and cosponsor legislation that blocks funding for unauthorized hostilities and mandates prompt reporting to Congress. • Hold oversight hearings with the Department of Defense, the State Department, and SOUTHCOM on deployments, strikes, and rules of engagement. • Demand transparency about objectives, intelligence claims, and civilian-harm safeguards. • Reassert congressional authority under the War Powers Resolution and ensure no president can bypass Congress to initiate hostilities. • Advance diplomacy through the OAS, CARICOM, and neighboring states to address transnational crime through lawful, cooperative means. Keep America Within the Law - and Out of War The United States must not drift into conflict by default. Please act now to preserve constitutional balance, regional stability, and America’s credibility as a force for peace.