Democratic lawmakers criticize US military operation in Venezuela as illegal and unconstitutional

Several Democratic lawmakers on Saturday condemned the US military strikes on Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, calling the action illegal due to a lack of congressional authorization and warning of potential chaos. Representative Jim Himes (Connecticut), ranking member on the House Intelligence Committee, stated there is no evidence justifying military action without Congress's approval and demanded an immediate briefing on legal justification and post-operation stability plans.

Other Democrats, including Senator Ruben Gallego (Arizona) and Senator Andy Kim (New Jersey), described the operation as an "unjustified war" and one that sends a disturbing signal globally. Top party leaders have not yet issued statements.

Senator Tim Kaine (Virginia) described this military operation as a "sickening return" to asserting dominance over the internal affairs of Western Hemisphere nations. Kaine announced he would force a Senate vote next week on a resolution to constrain the president's war powers regarding Venezuela.