Congressman Al Green Questions U.S. Military Action in Venezuela, Demands Briefing on Presidential Authority

Congressman Al Green (D-TX) released a statement on January 3, 2026, expressing strong opposition to recent U.S. military action in Venezuela, which included airstrikes and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Green emphasized the lack of congressional consultation prior to these operations and called for an immediate briefing on the President's authority to engage in such military endeavors.

U.S. Military Operation and Maduro's Capture

The military action, which unfolded on Saturday, January 3, 2026, involved U.S. military strikes in Venezuela, specifically targeting Caracas. During this operation, President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured and subsequently transported to New York to face criminal charges. U.S. authorities have accused Maduro and members of his family of conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism and to import cocaine into the United States.

President Donald Trump described the events as an 'extraordinary military operation' and indicated that the U.S. would 'run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition.' He also stated that Congress was not briefed beforehand due to a 'tendency to leak.' Vice President J.D. Vance defended the action by citing Maduro's indictments for narcoterrorism as justification for bypassing congressional authorization.

Calls for Congressional Oversight and Constitutional Authority

Congressman Al Green's statement highlighted a critical concern among many lawmakers regarding the executive branch's power to initiate military action. He stated, 'I oppose putting boots on the ground in Venezuela. We cannot allow President Trump to continue engaging our military in strikes against nations without consulting Congress.' He further requested a congressional briefing to clarify the President's authority to 'bomb another country and capture its president without consulting Congress.'

The U.S. Constitution grants Congress the sole power to declare war, and federal laws like the War Powers Resolution typically permit unilateral executive action only in cases of imminent threat. Several other Democratic lawmakers echoed Green's concerns, labeling the military action as 'illegal' due to the absence of congressional approval. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) characterized the intervention as an 'illegal war' and announced plans for a vote on a war powers resolution. Furthermore, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth faced criticism for allegedly misleading Congress about the administration's intentions regarding regime change in Venezuela.

Broader Context and International Reaction

The military operation has drawn significant international attention and condemnation. Countries such as China and Cuba criticized the United States for violating international law and Venezuela's sovereignty. Conversely, Israel welcomed the removal of Maduro. Domestically, protests against the U.S. military action in Venezuela were organized in cities like San Francisco, with demonstrators calling for an end to U.S. interference.

In his statement, Congressman Green also reiterated his commitment to domestic issues, specifically emphasizing the urgent need to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies for Americans, stating that these subsidies are 'a matter of life and death' for many.