[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S99]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               VENEZUELA

  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I rise today in support of the War Powers 
Resolution before the Senate regarding recent U.S. actions related to 
Venezuela. This is a serious and consequential matter that goes to the 
heart of Congress' constitutional responsibility to authorize sustained 
military engagements, define the limits of executive authority, and 
protect the long-term interests of both the United States and the 
Venezuelan people.
  Nicolas Maduro is a narcoterrorist and international drug trafficker 
whose actions led to the addiction and deaths of many Americans. He was 
an illegitimate dictator who held power through stolen elections and 
horrific violence against the people of Venezuela. The Biden 
administration imposed a $25 million bounty for his arrest and 
extradition to the United States. He was indicted twice in Federal 
court and should stand trial in the United States.
  With Maduro rightfully captured, the circumstances have now changed. 
While I support the operation to seize Nicolas Maduro, which was 
extraordinary in its precision and complexity, I do not support 
committing additional U.S. forces or entering into any long-term 
military involvement in Venezuela or Greenland without specific 
congressional authorization.
  The resolution I have supported today does not include any language 
related to the removal operation. Rather, it reaffirms Congress' 
ability to authorize or limit any future sustained military activity in 
Venezuela, while preserving the President's inherent article II 
authority to defend the United States from an armed attack or imminent 
threat. I believe invoking the War Powers Act at this moment is 
necessary, given the President's comments about the possibility of 
``boots on the ground'' and a sustained engagement ``running'' 
Venezuela, with which I do not agree.
  What happens now matters greatly, both in terms of accountability for 
Maduro and the future of the Venezuelan people. The long-term success 
of this operation will depend on Venezuelans having the opportunity to 
run Venezuela, with the support of international and private sector 
partners.

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