Dawn Rasmussen calls on Congress to uphold its constitutional role following U.S. military action in Venezuela

“Let me be clear: Nicolás Maduro is a brutal authoritarian who has caused immense suffering for the Venezuelan people. Even so, the Constitution does not disappear when the United States uses military force,” Rasmussen said.

Rasmussen emphasized that the U.S. Constitution gives Congress — not the president alone — the authority to authorize war and military force.

“When Congress allows military action to proceed without debate, authorization, or accountability, it weakens our democracy and puts American lives and resources at risk,” Rasmussen said. “That should concern every American, regardless of party.”

Rasmussen also criticized the continued silence of Rep. Cliff Bentz, who currently represents Oregon’s 2nd Congressional District, following the operation.

“Oregonians deserve to hear from their representatives when the United States takes military action abroad,” Rasmussen said. “Silence is not neutrality — it is acquiescence. Members of Congress are elected to ask hard questions, demand transparency, and stand up for the constitutional role of the legislative branch.”

Rasmussen noted that military interventions without a clear plan or congressional approval have repeatedly led to long-term instability, enormous costs, and consequences that working families ultimately bear.

“People are already paying too much for healthcare and everyday expenses. Congress doesn’t get to shrug and walk away when the country is pulled into military action,” Rasmussen said. “Leadership means taking responsibility and doing the job the Constitution lays out.”

Rasmussen said she is running for Congress because she believes accountability is not optional — especially when decisions involve military force.

“If elected, I will not stay silent when the Constitution is sidelined,” she said. “Oregonians deserve a representative who takes their oath seriously — especially when the stakes are this high.”