Republican senator calls for hearing on military intervention in Venezuela

Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) on Saturday called on leaders of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to hold a hearing next week with Trump administration officials about a potential U.S. military intervention in Venezuela. 

“The brutal Maduro Regime has caused unspeakable suffering amongst the citizens in Venezuela and I commend the brave Venezuelans who are standing up for their freedom and for their basic human rights,” he said. “However, I am concerned by reports of possible U.S. military intervention in Venezuela,” 

“I am calling on the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to hold immediate hearings with key members of the administration next week to discuss their plans for Venezuela and to explain any plans to deploy U.S. forces to the country,” he added.{mosads}

The Hill reached out to Sens. James Risch (R-Idaho) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), who are the committee’s chairman and ranking member, respectively. 

The conflict in Venezuela has reached new levels in recent days, as opposition leader Juan Guaidó, whom the White House recognizes as the country’s interim president, called on the country’s military to force President Nicolás Maduro out of power. He was unable to get the support of key military leaders, however. 

National security adviser John Bolton this week has indicated support for military intervention in Venezuela.