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Oregon Lawmakers Warn Trump’s Venezuela Attacks Bypass Congress and Risk a New War News By Diane Megaw On Jan 4, 2026 Last updated Jan 4, 2026 Oregon State Capitol | Courtesy: Oregon Department of Transportation President Donald Trump’s recent military actions in Venezuela have drawn sharp criticism from Oregon lawmakers. Oregon Lawmakers React To Trump’s Military Intervention In Venezuela Trump’s recent action in Venezuela, including bombing the capital and seizing President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, garnered strong opposition from Oregon lawmakers. Maduro was charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy , Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States. Here is what is confirmed so far about the Venezuela operation and the U.S. case. Tidings Data Snapshot Venezuela operation : what is confirmed so far Jan 3 2026 U.S. strike and capture operation reported 2 Detained : Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores 4 Counts cited against Maduro in U.S. case New York Maduro taken to the U.S. for court proceedings 1989 Reuters comparison point : Panama invasion Source: Reuters reporting Jan 3 2026 and PBS explainer on charges Dailytidings.com These lawmakers all confirmed that Trump lacked approval from Congress and expressed deep concern: Tidings Context War Powers law says the president must notify Congress within 48 hours of hostilities and, without authorization, end the use of forces within 60 days, with up to 30 days to withdraw. U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., confirmed that there was no imminent threat to the United States. He confirmed this is the same global interventionism soundly rejected by Americans after decades of failed wars and disastrous meddling in other nations’ affairs. Tidings Insight Congress can authorize force or declare war, but presidents often cite Article II commander in chief powers. Critics argue this operation exceeded that, especially if there was no imminent threat to the United States. Wyden said, “I strongly oppose these actions. If congressional Republicans fail to check the president’s illegal military actions, Trump will see that as a green light to attack foreign nations, no matter how harmful that is to American interests.” In addition, Wyden warned that, “No matter what you think of Maduro, Trump’s threat to ‘run’ the country and put ‘boots on the ground’ invites another quagmire that would come at a massive cost of lives and money, and that emboldens every authoritarian who seeks to attack a neighbor.” U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon warned that the action could undermine U.S. authority on global sovereignty issues and have significant, unexpected repercussions, including leaving the U.S. responsible for managing Venezuela’s future. Merkley said, “Once again, U.S. foreign policy is all about oil, regime change, and might makes right.” Both senators called on Trump administration officials to explain their rationale to Congress and called for serious oversight and accountability. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas confirmed that Trump has overthrown the Venezuelan government- an act of war. She said, “Every member of Congress should be outraged that Trump is sidestepping our authority and dragging us into another conflict.” Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03), confirmed that Congress did not approve the military intervention. She said, “Last night, Trump once again trampled the Constitution by launching an illegal and reckless military strike in Venezuela and capturing their leader.” Representative Val Hoyle stated that she strongly opposes the illegal use of military action in Venezuela by the Trump Administration. She said, “This is one more example of extreme overreach by this administration, one that will have dire consequences. We do not need to waste taxpayer dollars and American lives in another foreign war for oil. This is simply wrong.” Share Twitter Facebook ReddIt WhatsApp Pinterest Email