Commending President Trump, his administration, and the brave men and women of the Armed Forces, Intelligence Community, and Justice Department for the remarkable success of Operation Absolute Resolve.
Summary
House Resolution 998 commends President Trump, his administration, and various government entities for the success of "Operation Absolute Resolve," which involved the apprehension of Nicolas Maduro and dismantling the Cartel de los Soles. The resolution highlights Maduro's alleged crimes, including narcoterrorism and undermining Venezuelan democracy. It also accuses the Maduro regime of fueling the drug overdose epidemic in the United States.
The resolution expresses gratitude to the armed forces and reaffirms the Monroe Doctrine. It supports a transition to free elections in Venezuela.
The resolution was submitted to multiple committees for consideration.
Expected Effects
If passed, this resolution would formally recognize and commend the actions taken by the Trump administration in Venezuela. It could strengthen the political narrative around the intervention and potentially influence future foreign policy decisions regarding similar situations. However, it is primarily a symbolic gesture.
The resolution could also affect relations with Venezuela and other nations in the region. It could also influence domestic perceptions of the drug crisis and US foreign policy.
Potential Benefits
- Acknowledges and supports actions taken against alleged narcoterrorism.
- Expresses solidarity with the people of Venezuela seeking democratic governance.
- Reaffirms the Monroe Doctrine, potentially strengthening US influence in the Western Hemisphere.
- Commends the efforts of the US Armed Forces and Intelligence Community.
- Highlights the importance of combating state-sponsored drug trafficking.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could be viewed as an endorsement of interventionist foreign policy.
- May strain diplomatic relations with Venezuela and other nations.
- The resolution is based on specific claims and allegations that may be disputed.
- Could set a precedent for similar interventions in other countries.
- The resolution focuses on one specific action and may not address the broader complexities of the situation in Venezuela.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution itself does not directly violate any specific clause of the US Constitution. The power to conduct foreign policy and direct military actions is generally vested in the Executive Branch (President) as Commander-in-Chief. Congress has the power to declare war and appropriate funds for military actions (Article I, Section 8).
However, the legality and constitutionality of "Operation Absolute Resolve" itself, particularly the apprehension of a foreign leader, could be subject to debate under international law and the limits of executive power. The resolution's reaffirmation of the Monroe Doctrine could also be interpreted as a broad assertion of US influence, which may raise concerns about national sovereignty and interventionism.
Amendment I regarding freedom of speech is not directly impacted.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).