Press Release: 1/9/2026

Senator Markey Welcomes Senate Vote Opposing Trump's Illegal War for Oil in Venezuela

 

Washington (January 8, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement after voting with the majority to prevent the Trump administration from further military action against Venezuela without congressional approval.

“President Trump’s unconstitutional military actions against Venezuela risk dragging the United States into another endless war. The Senate has now spoken with a clear voice: Trump must not continue this dangerous action without the approval of Congress. It must stop now.

“Congress’s authority over war is not optional. The power to declare war belongs to the people’s representatives. When the President of the United States bypasses Congress and uses force without its explicit authorization, it is not strength—it is anarchy.

“After receiving a classified briefing from Secretary of War Crimes Pete Hegseth, I am even more concerned that these reckless strikes are setting the stage for an illegal war for Venezuela’s oil.

“The Trump administration must immediately halt further military strikes in Venezuela, whether at sea or on land, and come to Congress if it believes force is justified. If President Trump cannot make his case to the American people and their elected representatives, then he has no business using military force and putting American servicemembers in harm’s way.” 

Senator Markey has been outspoken in his opposition to U.S. military action in Venezuela. In November, Senator Markey supported Senator Tim Kaine’s (D-Va.) War Powers Resolution that would have blocked Donald Trump from authorizing military strikes on Venezuela. Republicans voted down the resolution.