Rep. Sykes Condemns Unauthorized Military Strikes Following Failed House Votes
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) voted in favor of two measures to halt unauthorized U.S. military actions in the Western Hemisphere and prevent unapproved hostilities involving Venezuela. Both measures failed after a majority of the House voted against them.
Since early September, the administration has ordered U.S. Armed Forces to carry out lethal strikes against vessels under the guise of counter-drug operations, despite having no declaration of war or authorization from Congress. At least 25 known strikes have killed at least 95 people, and the administration has refused to provide Congress with the intelligence or legal authority used to justify the killings.
One measure would have directed the president to end U.S. military involvement in hostilities with designated terrorist organizations in the Western Hemisphere, bringing an immediate stop to unlawful strikes on Caribbean vessels. The second would have barred U.S. forces from engaging in military action in or against Venezuela without explicit congressional approval.
“The president must get congressional authorization before engaging in additional strikes and suspend any and all unlawful military action,” said Rep. Sykes. “While we share the need to eliminate the threat of drug traffickers and illegal drugs flooding our streets, these strikes are an abuse of presidential power.”
Rep. Sykes emphasized that the War Powers Resolution requires the president to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities absent congressional authorization, a deadline that has already expired.
Rep. Sykes will continue to oppose unlawful military action and press Congress to uphold its constitutional responsibility to decide when the nation goes to war.