Representative Seth Moulton, a prominent member of the House Armed Services Committee, expressed his surprise at the U.S. military’s late-night operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Moulton, who learned the news via a text from a friend, criticized the lack of communication from the Defense Department to Congress regarding such significant military actions.
Moulton, a seasoned Marine with extensive experience in military operations, noted that the U.S. had been poised for action against Venezuela for some time. He emphasized that the presence of warships along the Venezuelan coast indicated preparations for imminent military involvement. His observations suggest a belief that the Trump administration had no intention of involving Congress in its decisions.
Congress’s Diminished Role in Military Decisions
Moulton characterized the current Congress as the “weakest in American history,” blaming Republican leaders for allowing executive overreach without challenge. He argued that the ongoing trend has seen the legislative body lose its constitutional authority over war-making and military actions.
Despite a moment of bipartisan cooperation that led to legislation demanding the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, dissatisfaction remains regarding Congress’s response to military actions like the Maduro operation. Many Republicans have either supported or downplayed the military assault, asserting that it was a law-enforcement issue rather than an act of war.
The Political Landscape
- Seth Moulton (D-MA): Criticizes the unilateral nature of the Maduro operation.
- Mike Johnson (R-LA): Supports the administration’s stance, labeling the operation as a change in regime actions.
- Tim Burchett (R-TN): Comments on Congress’s inability to be trusted with advance notice about military operations.
Some Republicans compared this mission to past unilateral actions by U.S. presidents, indicating a growing acceptance of expanding executive power in military affairs. Nonetheless, several lawmakers have openly challenged this trend and called for Congressional involvement in future operations.
Calls for Accountability and Future Actions
Democrats like Representative Ro Khanna have expressed frustration over the lack of consistent condemnation from their party regarding militaristic actions. While top Democratic leaders acknowledged Maduro’s dictatorship, their responses seemed diluted by political considerations.
In the Senate, discussions are underway to pass a War Powers Resolution, which would require congressional approval for any future military endeavors in Venezuela. Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia emphasized the need for Congress to reclaim its war-making powers.
Some Republicans also voiced concerns over the administration’s narrative framing the Maduro operation as lawful. Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley and Senator Dick Durbin indicated that if it was indeed a law-enforcement action, oversight committees should have been included in the briefings.
As political dynamics continue to evolve, the debate surrounding Congress’s role in military actions remains unresolved. As Moulton put it, the current political climate may prevent meaningful accountability for unilateral executive actions, raising questions about the future relevance of Congress in U.S. military affairs.
