WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement after receiving a classified briefing from the Trump Administration on its recent military action in Venezuela:
“Yesterday’s briefing outlined—in detail—a highly precise military operation that led to the capture of Nicolas Maduro. I thank our troops and intelligence community for their brave service and sacrifice. But the briefing raised serious questions about the strategy around this action and what comes next.
“What now must happen—and what the briefing lacked—is a clear, well-informed diplomatic roadmap with benchmarks for Venezuela to meet, clear timelines and the right tools to help develop and transition Venezuela following this military mission. I remain concerned that we are not there yet, and we will not get there by trading one authoritarian leader, Nicolas Maduro, for another illegitimate authoritarian leader who has served alongside him as part of his repressive regime. America’s credibility is at stake—and our country will rise or fall depending on whether we turn this moment into an opportunity for democracy worldwide or a payday for corrupt autocrats.
“Amidst this uncertainty and instability, the President is threatening to further overextend our military by threatening action on other parts of the world and alienating our allies.
“This is all happening when many families here at home are wondering how they’re going to afford their health care and home heating bills. The President is focused on anything but lowering the cost of living or addressing the pocketbook concerns of the American people.
“The onus is on President Trump to explain to the American people what is truly going on in our own hemisphere and how he intends to keep our nation safe and secure.”
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