David Cicilline

I hope he'll move quickly to make it public so the American people can have confidence not only in the special counsel's -- the process of the special counsel, but in how this conclusion and report is being handled.

This report belongs to the American people. It was done on their behalf. They have a right to see its contents as do members of Congress that we can do our work.

This investigation began because of evidence that a foreign adversary of the United States attacked our democracy. This is important to every single person in this country to find out what happened, be sure people are held accountable and…

This legislation that I introduced is an H.R. But if the point of the gentleman's question is is that a more effective way to do it, I would welcome support on my resolution. I haven't been as successful getting my Republican colleagues to…

The bills we're considering today will inject competition in the system sooner, move drugs to the market more quickly, and lower costs.

As far as the legal constitutional piece, I am not as clear on.

Nothing in the legislation that we are currently considering takes this military option off the table.

That is why this legislation is actually bipartisan, I think, for precisely that reason.

One of the things we can do to the world is continue to act like a democracy, and let people see real debate and respect for rule of law.

This legislation is really reflecting the constitutional requirement that before men and women of the Armed Forces are deployed in hostilities, that it requires congressional authorization.

For these reasons, it is critical that Congress play a role in any decision to intervene militarily in Venezuela.

I want to thank you, Chairman Engel, Ranking Member McCaul, for how holding this important hearing and for considering this piece of legislation.

The time for Congress to weigh in is now.

The Constitution gave Congress, not the executive branch, the power to determine when the United States goes to war.

The United States must continue to work with the Lima Group, Europeans, and the international community to use diplomatic and economic tools to pressure Maduro to honor the will of his people.

That is why I introduced this legislation, which would simply prohibit funds from being spent on any unauthorized military engagement in Venezuela.

Under the Constitution and War Powers Act, the President may not take unilateral military action.

This administration's rhetoric implying that they are willing to use military force in Venezuela is unfortunate.

The people of Venezuela deserve better. They deserve a democratic future.

The Constitution and the War Powers Resolution are clear that it is our responsibility to consider the use of force before any troops are introduced into hostilities.

To be absolutely clear, Nicolas Maduro is a dictator who does not care about the Venezuelan people.

We all agree the Maduro regime has destroyed Venezuela's economy, starved its people, and engaged in widespread corruption and repression.

I appreciate the committee's willingness to take on the important issue of executive overreach in military engagement.

I for myself am a strong believer in the sole power of Congress to declare war under Article I of the Constitution.

Opponents of this legislation are not pushing for military actions.