Thomas Massie Proposes Constitutional Solution to the Venezuela Crisis
Jose Nino
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On May 1, 2019, Thomas Massie issued a proclamation on Twitter declaring that any military action in Venezuela must be conducted in a constitutional manner.
Ever since Venezuelan president Interim President Juan Guaidó’s attempted uprising on April 30th, 2019, there has been significant chatter about a potential military intervention in the country.
In an interview with Fox Business, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo did not rule out a military option to deal with the Venezuelan crisis.
Liberty-minded Representative Thomas Massie commented on the Venezuelan crisis. The Kentucky Congressman stated:
The violence in Venezuela is appalling. I hope both sides can resolve their differences peacefully. However, if the American people support engaging in military action in the region, then the Constitution requires proper congressional approval first.
Massie added:
That is why I’m an original cosponsor (the only Republican) of H.R. 1004, a bill that would require congressional authorization for any military action in Venezuela. You can read H.R. 1004 here: https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/1004?q={%22search%22:[%22H.R.+1004%22]}&r=2&s=1
The violence in Venezuela is appalling. I hope both sides can resolve their differences peacefully. However, if the American people support engaging in military action in the region, then the Constitution requires proper congressional approval first.
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) May 1, 2019
On the other hand, America First Congressman Matt Gaetz took a firm non-interventionist stance on April 29th. BLP covered Gaetz’s more restrained approach to this matter.
Gaetz recognizes the failure of socialism in Venezuela, but believes that it is not in the U.S.’s best interest to intervene in the country.
We must appreciate that the only sustainable freedom is freedom won by those who yearn to live it. Direct US military involvement risks allowing Maduro to externalize conflict, scapegoat his failures, and delegitimize the organic desire of Venezuelans to choose their own future.
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) April 30, 2019
The next few months will be filled with intense debate on what to do in the crisis-ridden country.
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