Leader Schumer Floor Remarks Calling For An All-Senators Briefing On Escalatory Military Action In Venezuela

Washington, D.C. – Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today spoke on the Senate floor calling on Secretary Rubio and the Trump administration to provide an all-senators classified briefing on current military planning for operations in Venezuela. Below are Senator Schumer’s remarks, which can also be viewed here:

Last week, Donald Trump said he’s “sort of decided” on his military strategy for Venezuela. This follows Trump sending our largest U.S. aircraft carrier and thousands of U.S. sailors and marines to the Caribbean as part of the largest military buildup in this hemisphere in decades. Yet, Congress has gotten very few answers from the Trump administration about this rapid and potentially dangerous escalation.

In fact, on multiple occasions I have directed Secretary Rubio to explain their escalatory actions toward Venezuela. But so far, I have received very little from him.

So, today I am renewing my call on Secretary Rubio to provide an all-senators classified briefing on this military buildup and reported plans for military operations in Venezuela.

To date, the Trump administration has failed its duty under the law to consult with Congress on preparations for military action in Venezuela. We have heard no clear goals. We have heard no clear timeline. We have heard no clear explanation for what Donald Trump’s ultimate objective is in the region. Any military action could risk the lives of thousands of U.S. servicemembers and destabilize the entire region.

Make no mistake: the Maduro regime is horrific and undemocratic. And the U.S. should be strong in using all legal tools against drug traffickers who poison Americans with deadly narcotics. But the last thing Americans want right now is another endless war. The last thing Americans need is Donald Trump bumbling the U.S. into a war with Venezuela.

So, again: I am calling on the Trump administration and Secretary Rubio to provide an all-senators classified briefing on current military planning for operations in Venezuela.

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