Dear Community Member, 

A month after the Administration’s intervention in Venezuela, questions still remain about the potential for democracy and the future of that country. Venezuela still faces political uncertainty, which could lead to instability and insecurity in the region.  With this Administration’s threats to annex and invade Greenland, there is still an urgent need for Congress to reassert its constitutional authority and hold this Administration accountable for its actions.

When the Venezuela War Powers Resolution came to the House floor for a vote, I spoke in favor, urging my colleagues to vote yes on the bipartisan legislation that would remove and prevent further boots on the ground in Venezuela without Congressional authorization. I made clear that while the Administration removed a despot on January 3, it appears that there is no coherent plan for the future of Venezuela.

Rep. Panetta spoke on the House Floor in favor of the Venezuela War Powers Resolution. To watch his remarks, click the photo or here.

Unfortunately, the resolution did not pass. Speaker Mike Johnson and those who voted against it chose to continue abdicating Congress's constitutional powers to an executive branch pursuing an interventionist foreign policy based on incoherence and hypocrisy.

But our fight is far from over.

I will continue fighting to rein in this Administration both at home and abroad. The No Unauthorized War in Venezuela Act, which would prevent the use of federal funding on military action in Venezuela without authorization, remains as a viable piece of legislation. As working families struggle with rising costs, our taxpayer dollars should address real challenges here at home, not fund unauthorized military adventures.

If this Administration wants to send our troops abroad from Venezuela to Greenland, it must make its case of an imminent threat to America through Congress under our Constitution and before the American people. That is what our founders intended, and that is what I will continue to demand.

Follow me on facebook, x, or bluesky to keep updated on my work to ensure the U.S. Congress upholds our obligations under the U.S. Constitution. I look forward to working together in our continued fight for our values and service to the people of California’s 19th Congressional District.

Sincerely,

Jimmy Panetta
United States Representative
19th Congressional District, California