**Rep. Ro Khanna Demands Congressional Action to Stop Potential US Military Strikes in Venezuela**
On Friday, U.S. Representative Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) called for urgent congressional intervention to prevent “another endless, regime-change war” following reports that President Donald Trump is considering military strikes inside Venezuela. Khanna warned that such strikes would be “blatantly unconstitutional.”
“The United States Congress must speak up and stop this,” Khanna said in a video posted to social media. “No president, according to the Constitution, has the authority to strike another country without Congress’ approval. And the American people have voted against regime change and endless wars.”
Khanna’s remarks came in response to recent reports by the *Miami Herald* and the *Wall Street Journal* revealing internal discussions within the Trump administration about possible airstrike targets in Venezuela.
The *Miami Herald* reported early Friday that the administration “has made the decision to attack military installations inside Venezuela and the strikes could come at any moment.” In contrast, the *Wall Street Journal* took a more cautious approach, stating that the administration “has identified targets in Venezuela that include military facilities used to smuggle drugs,” but noted that “the president hasn’t made a final decision on ordering land strikes.”
Citing unnamed U.S. officials familiar with the matter, the *Journal* reported that “the targets would send a clear message to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro that it is time to step down.”
Following the reports, the White House denied that President Trump has finalized plans for a military strike on Venezuela. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday, Trump indicated that he has not made a final decision but suggested he believes he has the authority to act unilaterally.
Last week, the president publicly stated that land strikes “are going to be next” after his unauthorized and deadly strikes on boats in waters off Central and South America. Trump also confirmed he would not seek congressional approval before attacking Venezuela directly.
“The American people oppose being dragged into yet another endless war, this time in Venezuela, and our constitutional order demands deliberation by the U.S. Congress—period,” Khanna emphasized.
Despite the reports and growing concerns, opposition from lawmakers on Capitol Hill remains limited amid an ongoing government shutdown battle. Only three senators—Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.)—have officially backed a resolution to prevent Trump from attacking Venezuela without congressional authorization.
Other senators, including Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), have publicly criticized Trump’s aggressive posture toward Venezuela. Sanders posted on social media Friday, stating, “Trump is illegally threatening war with Venezuela—after killing more than 50 people in unauthorized strikes at sea. The Constitution is clear: Only Congress can declare war. Congress must defend the law and end Trump’s militarism.”
Dylan Williams, Vice President of Government Affairs at the Center for International Policy, noted on Friday that “most Americans oppose overthrowing Venezuela’s leaders by force—and an even larger majority oppose invading.”
He urged citizens to “call your senators and tell them to vote for S.J. Res. 90 to block Trump’s unauthorized use of military force.” The Capitol switchboard can be reached at 202-224-3121 to connect callers with their senators’ offices.
In the House of Representatives, a similar resolution led by Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) currently has just over 30 cosponsors. Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Colo.) announced his support for the resolution on Thursday, stating, “Trump does not have the legal authority to launch military strikes inside Venezuela without a specific authorization by Congress.”
“I am deeply troubled by reports that suggest this administration believes otherwise,” Neguse added. “Any unilateral directive to send Americans into war is not only reckless, but illegal and an affront to the House of Representatives’ powers under Article I of our Constitution.”
Concluding his statement, Neguse echoed Khanna’s concerns: “The American people oppose being dragged into yet another endless war, this time in Venezuela, and our constitutional order demands deliberation by the U.S. Congress—period.”
https://www.rawstory.com/trump-venezuela-2674255719/
