Request for Congressional Oversight of U.S. Actions in Venezuela

The unfolding military operations in and around Venezuela demand immediate Congressional oversight. In recent weeks, U.S. naval and air assets have conducted lethal strikes and expanded their presence off the Venezuelan coast, actions that—by every constitutional measure—fall within Congress’s exclusive authority to examine, authorize, or restrain. Under Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, only Congress has the power to declare war, raise and support armies, and appropriate funds for their use. The War Powers Resolution of 1973 further requires the President to consult with Congress before introducing U.S. armed forces into hostilities or situations where hostilities are clearly imminent, and to report those actions within 48 hours. If such authorization is not granted within 60 days, operations must cease. If current U.S. activities in Venezuela have not been properly authorized or reported under these provisions, Congress must act immediately to uphold the separation of powers and ensure that military force is being used lawfully, transparently, and with full accountability to the American people. Accordingly, I urge Congress to: 1 Hold open hearings with the Secretaries of Defense and State to establish the scope, objectives, and legal basis of current operations. 2 Request all communications and directives concerning Venezuela issued by the White House and Department of Defense since the onset of the deployment. 3 Reaffirm Congressional authority under the War Powers Resolution, the Appropriations Clause, and related statutes to prevent unauthorized hostilities. 4 Clarify funding sources for any ongoing or planned military activity to ensure full compliance with the Anti-Deficiency Act and appropriations law. These steps are essential to restoring public trust and to maintaining the balance of powers envisioned by the Framers. The Constitution gives Congress—not the Executive—the final word on whether this nation engages in war or uses military force abroad. The people expect you to exercise that authority faithfully.