“U.S. military service members are the most skilled in the world, and I pray for their safety. Tampa Bay neighbors and I want better for friends and family who have suffered under the oppressive Maduro regime.

 

“Trump’s military attack on Venezuela, without the approval of Congress, violates the U.S. Constitution which vests Congress with the power to declare war. Congressional authorization is important so that Americans can hold their elected representatives accountable for the costs and consequences of war.

 

“Allegiance to the U.S. Constitution is not a quaint notion that can be ignored by Trump even when it comes to corrupt Nicolas Maduro. Trump’s justification for regime change and a takeover of Venezuela are unsubstantiated. Trump recently pardoned a convicted drug trafficker Juan Orlando Hernandez and has provided no evidence drug trafficking from Venezuela presents an imminent threat to America’s national security.

 

“Trump has learned no lessons of the past, has taken America to war for oil again and thumbed his nose at promises to lower the cost of living. Trump said that he intends to run Venezuela while Republicans can’t even provide affordable health care to Americans. Trump said that he intends that U.S. oil companies will take the oil from Venezuela to profit, a dangerous green light to the aggression of Russia and China. After listening to President Trump this morning, I am disgusted by his constant lies to the American people. I question his mental faculties and ability to lead the country.”