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Secretary of State Marco Rubio testifies earlier than the Senate Committee on International Relations on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tues. Might 20, 2025.
Jose Luis Magana/AP
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Jose Luis Magana/AP
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is ready to testify Wednesday earlier than the Senate International Relations Committee, the place he’ll defend the U.S. army operation that ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and description Washington’s technique transferring ahead.
In ready remarks, Rubio pushes again on claims that the U.S. is at struggle with Venezuela.
“There is no such thing as a struggle in opposition to Venezuela, and we didn’t occupy a rustic. There are not any U.S. troops on the bottom,” framing the mission as a focused legislation enforcement motion relatively than a army occupation.
Rubio says the U.S. will assist Venezuela transition from what he calls a “legal state” right into a accountable worldwide associate and is intently monitoring the previous vice chairman, now interim chief Delcy Rodríguez, who has pledged to open Venezuela’s vitality sector to American firms.
However Rubio additionally indicators a tough line if cooperation breaks down. “Make no mistake, because the President has said, we’re ready to make use of power to make sure most cooperation if different strategies fail,” Rubio says.
Democrats are anticipated to problem the legality, price, and fallout of the operation. In her ready remarks rating committee member Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., acknowledges Maduro’s document however questions the choice, writing: “Nicolás Maduro was unhealthy for Venezuela, for the area and for the US. The query is, was the raid to arrest him price it?”
Shaheen additionally criticizes the continuing U.S. naval blockade, saying it’s costing American taxpayers tons of of thousands and thousands of {dollars}.
The listening to marks Rubio’s highest-profile take a look at but on Venezuela coverage, as lawmakers press for readability on the long-term U.S. technique within the area.
It is a growing story and will probably be up to date.
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