Rep. Gabe Vasquez Statement on Venezuela Blockade

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On December 17, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) released the following statement in response to the administration’s blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. 

“This Administration is actively eroding the most basic Constitutional checks and balances for the use of military force, and it’s gravely concerning. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I stand by the Constitution and by our troops — we must follow the law and rules of engagement.”

“Declaring war on a foreign government and sending American servicemembers into harm’s way is a solemn decision, and our Founding Fathers made it clear — only Congress has the power to declare war. The Administration owes it to the American people to respect the Constitution and provide evidence and transparency around what it is really doing with our taxpayer dollars in the Caribbean and Venezuela.”

“The last thing Americans want is another drawn-out conflict in a faraway place that does nothing to make their lives better. I’m from our southern border, so I firmly believe we must be doing everything we can to combat bad actors and cartels smuggling drugs into our country. That means investing in smart border technology and supporting our law enforcement officers, not pouring our resources into a conflict with a weak nation, which won’t solve the fentanyl crisis here at home.”

“Escalating hostilities in Venezuela will drive up energy prices for Americans and funnel taxpayer money away from things that actually matter here at home. My constituents are worried about the price of groceries and making rent on time, yet the Administration chooses to focus on starting new conquests overseas — it’s wrong, and we must refocus.”

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