Sen. Angus King on US Military Intervention and Natural Resources in Venezuela

Lawmaker Concerns After Venezuela Briefing

• 📌 Lawmakers, including Senator Angus King, are expressing significant uncertainty about the U.S. government's future role and strategy in Venezuela following a classified briefing.
• ⚠️ Senator King voices concern that the U.S. might be entering an era of using military power to obtain natural resources from other countries, citing oil as a primary motivator.

Critiques of US Strategy in Venezuela

• 🎯 King criticizes the apparent lack of a clear plan for Venezuela, noting that the U.S. has aligned with the current regime's vice president.
• 🚫 He points out the absence of efforts to disband the repressive elements of the Maduro regime, such as the secret police or military.
• 💡 The pardon of a former Honduran drug kingpin by the president is used as a point of comparison, questioning the selective focus on Maduro for drug-related issues.

Congressional Role in Foreign Operations

• 🏛️ Senator King emphasizes that Congress, by constitutional mandate, should play a role in declaring war and overseeing foreign military operations, not the President.
• 🗣️ He expresses dismay that news reports suggest the President may have consulted oil companies before taking action, rather than consulting Congress.
• ⚖️ King advocates for Congress to use its appropriations power to appropriately influence and guide foreign policy decisions.

Future US Actions and Clarity

• 🔍 Lawmakers are seeking clarity not only on Venezuela but also on potential similar actions in other countries like Colombia and Cuba.
• 📊 There is a perceived lack of a clear strategy moving forward, with differing views between Democratic and Republican senators on the necessity of a stronger U.S. presence in the Western Hemisphere.
• 🤝 A briefing with senior administration officials, including Secretaries, the Attorney General, CIA Director, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, is scheduled to address these concerns.