Violence does not just take the form of mass shootings and vigilante murders. It is also family separation and refugee bans.

However, because of the belligerent and irresponsible language by Trump administration officials, we have no choice as a Congress but to weigh in and ensure that this administration understands that it does not have consent to engage in…

Not only would military intervention be illegal, it would also come with serious consequences that I feel would not only hurt the Venezuelan people, but also the prospects for democracy.

Nicolas Maduro is a dictator whose regime has destroyed Venezuela's economy, starved its people, and engaged in widespread corruption and repression.

This bill very simply restates the law as already enforced in the War Powers Act and laid out in our Constitution that any military force with respect to Venezuela must be authorized by Congress.

We must have a policy that continues to place pressure on him and that seeks a diplomatic solution in Venezuela.

Our Constitution requires something more, and so all I am asking is to support this bill which just reaffirms.

But the Trump administration's use of rhetoric surrounding military force in Venezuela is unfortunate and counterproductive.

I always am alarmed when I hear what heads of other foreign governments shaping American foreign policy.

The argument that was just made by my friends on the other side of the aisle that the President of the United States can do whatever he wants for 60 days is absolutely false.

I wish this bill was not necessary. I would prefer we spent our time working to find ways to support the Venezuelan people and their efforts to establish democracy in Venezuela.

Nothing in this bill would limit the ability of the Congress to authorize intervention in any way we see appropriate.

The people of Venezuela deserve a better future, a future they determine, and we all believe the Venezuelan people have a right to pick their leaders, a right Maduro has denied his people by refusing to hold free and fair elections.

We cannot accept the status quo in which an individual's basic civil rights are recognized in one State, but then potentially cease to exist when they cross State lines.

The Equality Act will amend long-standing civil rights laws.

I am a proud sponsor of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019. Violence against women is one of our country's greatest shames. For over 20 years, VAWA has provided critical protections for survivors of violence, while also…

Thank you for allowing us to submit our testimony today to express our strong opposition to H.R. 312.

I would be honored to. I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Garamendi), my friend, for organizing this Special Order hour and for giving us an opportunity to speak more about what seems to be a recurring fight here in Congress…