Congressman Diaz-Balart on US Navy in Venezuela, Government Funding, and Cartel Crackdown

Government Funding and Appropriations

• ⚠️ A continuing resolution (CR) is likely to be necessary to fund the government, as passing appropriations bills on time has been a long-standing issue.
• 💡 Congressman Diaz-Balart emphasizes that passing appropriations bills is crucial for implementing meaningful spending cuts and new defense initiatives.
• 📉 Most subcommittees, except for defense, veterans, and homeland security, are showing dramatic decreases in spending within the proposed appropriations bills.
• 🤝 The willingness of Democrats to negotiate in good faith with Republicans and the White House will be critical in passing funding bills.

US Navy Deployment in Venezuela

• 🚢 The US Navy has reportedly sent at least seven vessels, including three guided missile destroyers, to Venezuelan waters to combat drug cartels.
• 🇻🇪 Venezuela's defense minister announced a significant drone deployment and naval patrols in response to the US presence.
• 🎯 Congressman Diaz-Balart views Venezuela as being controlled by a narco-cartel rather than a legitimate government.

Combating Drug Cartels

• 🇺🇸 President Trump is commended for taking a firm stand against narco-cartels, designating them as terrorist organizations.
• 🤝 The co-founder of the Sinaloa cartel has confessed to a decades-long coordination effort with Mexican officials to smuggle drugs.
• 🛡️ The Congressman expresses confidence in President Trump's resolve to protect the American people and uphold the rule of law against cartels.