We all want a better future for the people of Venezuela and want to end this manmade humanitarian crisis.

under our Constitution, as you know, only Congress can declare war, and we have neither declared war nor granted the administration the authority to send the Armed Forces into hostilities in Venezuela.

The United States must work with the National Assembly and other governments in the region in a supporting role.

It is not the job of the United States to choose leaders in other countries.

to the extent that we are suggesting that it is, we are misleading the international community or misleading the people in Venezuela.

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding, and I particularly thank the gentlewoman for her leadership on this issue and for organizing today's Special Order hour. One of the great blessings of being in the majority is wonderful new colleagues…

On Tuesday the President gave a State of the Union Address that was short on details but long on hypocrisy. His remarks were long, self-absorbed, and divorced from reality. Much like 1 year ago, his speech was noteworthy for the things he…

It has been publicly reported from credible sources that in fact the president did lash out.

We have many more questions that he hasn't answered.

It was shocking. Here it is he says he respects Mr. Mueller. He's an honest man, he respects the men and women of the department, but he would not -- he was fearful because he had an audience of one.

He was very evasive. He was clearly contemptuous of Congress, didn't believe he should be participating in an oversight hearing.

the real question is, how did Matthew Whitaker become the acting attorney general. It was clear from his public statements, from the things he wrote, that he was auditioning for a job in the Trump administration and was a critic of Robert…

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding, and I am particularly delighted to be here in support of this legislation with the Speaker pro tempore on the rostrum, who understands the value of scenic byways in our beautiful country. I rise today…

I think that H.R. 8 is absolutely the right first step to closing this gaping loophole in background checks.

Now, the universal criminal background check is backed by more than 95 percent of the American people.

I have yet to hear a single argument that this legislation in H.R. 8 is unconstitutional.

Finally, Congress should Act to ban bump stocks.

Congress should immediately re-institute the assault weapons ban.

Is it still too soon? Is it too soon to talk about taking action to stop gun violence?

H.R. 8 will make it harder for dangerous people to get their hands on guns and hurt themselves or others.

The only thing standing in the way of saving lives is a lack of political will.

Elected officials on both sides of the aisle in State legislatures, Congress, and the White House agree we must raise the minimum age to purchase these weapons of war.

More gun bans are not going to solve this problem.

Let me be clear: there is no constitutional impediment to passing lifesaving gun laws.

I urge Congress to find that courage, to show leadership on this life-and-death issue, and to act, now.