Young Statement on War Powers Resolution

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) released the following statement regarding today’s Senate vote on the Venezuela War Powers Resolution:

“I support President Trump’s decision to bring Nicolás Maduro to justice for his many crimes, and I am grateful that, after years of oppression, the Venezuelan people now have a new hope. I also commend the bravery and professionalism of U.S. personnel who carried out the successful law enforcement mission in Venezuela last week.

“Today’s Senate vote is about potential future military action, not completed successful operations. The President and members of his team have stated that the United States now ‘runs’ Venezuela. It is unclear if that means that an American military presence will be required to stabilize the country. I – along with what I believe to be the vast majority of Hoosiers – am not prepared to commit American troops to that mission. Although I remain open to persuasion, any future commitment of U.S. forces in Venezuela must be subject to debate and authorization in Congress.

“President Trump campaigned against forever wars, and I strongly support him in that position. A drawn-out campaign in Venezuela involving the American military, even if unintended, would be the opposite of President Trump’s goal of ending foreign entanglements. The Constitution requires that Congress first authorize operations involving American boots on the ground, and my vote today reaffirms that longstanding congressional role.”