Several elected leaders who represent or are running to represent the South Suburbs issued statements since the news broke that the Trump administration bombed and sent troops into Venezuela early Saturday.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were taken into custody and brought to the U.S. to face drug trafficking and firearms charges.
The administration did not seek approval from Congress to take action as is required by the U.S. Constitution.
U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, who currently represents Homewood and Flossmoor as Illinois’ 2nd District representative in Congress and is running for the U.S. Senate, condemned the attack.
“Nicolás Maduro is an illegitimate ruler who oppressed the people of Venezuela. But President Trump’s unilateral decision to attempt a regime change in Venezuela is shortsighted and drags the U.S. into a reckless conflict that could destabilize the entire region. I demand a vote on the War Powers Resolution to stop President Trump from launching further military action without Congressional approval.
“The American people did not ask to be involved in another foreign conflict, but President Trump now wants to ‘run the country’ (of Venezuela). The President needs to stop acting like a dictator and start improving the lives of Americans, including people who actually voted for him. That is how a democracy should work. But President Trump’s attack on Venezuela does nothing to lower the cost of living for Americans and does everything to enrich himself and his billionaire oil-executive friends. Our focus should be here at home, lowering costs of healthcare, housing and groceries.”
Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller, who represents Homewood on the county board and is running for the 2nd Congressional District seat currently occupied by Kelly, also issued a statement.
“President Donald Trump’s recent attack on Venezuela and the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro is why the Democrats need to win control of Congress in the midterm elections. This is an example of what happens when a president has unfettered power. We need Congress to do its job. When they return to Washington, this week, they must vote in support of the War Powers Act.
“Attacking another country is unconstitutional and it will only get the United States involved in a forever war. If we let President Trump get away with invading other countries for the purpose of capturing their resources, he won’t stop with Venezuela. Trump will go after other countries that he’s threatened such as Cuba, Panama, Canada and Greenland. He’s already told us that he wants their resources. This is a president who puts material gain over human life and the cost of everyday Americans.
“I’m a strong supporter of our nation’s military. My father, grandfather and uncle all served in the armed forces. We know the United States is capable of executing a flawless mission, but we can’t get blinded by the razzle dazzle and not see the end game.
“The invasion of Venezuela is about controlling the country’s oil reserves and making Trump’s billionaire friends richer. It’s not about the price of groceries, affordable health care, protecting Social Security, jobs or lowering the cost of living. Only Congress has the power to declare war and the American people have the power to elect the next members of Congress willing to stand up to Trump. We need all Congress members to do their job.”
State Sen. Robert Peters, a candidate for the 2nd Congressional District seat, posted on Facebook: “The President of the United States and his allies have engaged in an unconstitutional, unilateral military operation and regime change in Venezuela. He’s now threatening, both directly and indirectly, other sovereign nations across the region. Congress must exercise its power and halt the belligerent violence of this corrupt administration. The American people need leaders focused on addressing their very real economic needs, and not provoking expensive and illegal wars.
“Americans need healthcare, not more warfare.”
State Sen. Willie Preston, also running for the 2nd Congressional District seat, said, “Nicolás Maduro is a brutal dictator, not a friend to the United States, a man who has oppressed his people and unleashed dangerous criminals into our country.
“But the U.S. Constitution does not give any president the power to unilaterally declare war or capture the leader of a sovereign nation – or take over a sovereign nation outright – without the approval of Congress.
“This is about oil – not drugs or America’s safety: The president just said so with his remarkable claim that the United States would be on the hook for rebuilding Venezuela’s oil infrastructure along with running the country – even while we make massive disinvestments in the infrastructure of our own country.
“This is a dangerous precedent that undermines global norms and betrays American values with no plan, no approval and no end in sight.
“America must be strong but our strength does not come from lawlessness. Our safety can only be secured by upholding our Constitution, not abandoning it.”
