In a heated exchange at the U.S. Capitol, senior Republican Senator John Cornyn dismissed concerns voiced by Democrats regarding President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of an oil tanker blockade targeting Venezuela. Democrats have accused the administration of misleading Congress about the implications of the blockade, which many believe is tied to broader geopolitical interests.
On Wednesday, Cornyn, who serves on the Senate Intelligence and Foreign Relations committees, derided the Democrats’ reactions. He remarked, “Poor babies,” when asked about their claims of feeling misled. Cornyn emphasized that the blockade was not unexpected, given Venezuela’s role in supplying oil to nations like Iran and China, and its strategic importance to Russia. “I mean [Venezuelan oil] is the lifeline for Iran and to some extent, for China, and an outlet for Russia to continue to be able to sell oil and finance its war machine against Ukraine,” he explained.
Democrats expressed frustration after a briefing on September 2 regarding U.S. military actions in the Caribbean. During this session, Senator Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth addressed operations against alleged drug trafficking boats but did not inform Congress about the forthcoming blockade, leading to accusations of deception.
Gregory Meeks, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, criticized the administration for its focus on oil rather than drug trafficking. He stated, “It’s clear Venezuela is about oil. It’s not about drugs. It’s about taking oil.” Meeks, who has a background as a narcotics prosecutor, highlighted inconsistencies in U.S. drug enforcement actions, particularly criticizing Trump’s pardoning of a former Honduran president convicted of drug trafficking.
Following the controversial military actions that resulted in two deaths from a “double tap” strike on September 2, Meeks condemned the tactics employed as bordering on war crimes. He noted that many Democrats were dissatisfied with the briefings provided by Rubio and Hegseth, stating, “That wasn’t a classified session. No one has gotten an intel briefing. So that’s what we’re owed.”
On the Senate floor, Senator Dick Durbin echoed similar sentiments, lamenting the lack of comprehensive briefings from the Trump administration. He remarked, “That just reflects the attitude [the Trump administration has] with Congress. If the Republican majority in Congress will allow it, they will continue to follow their agenda regardless.”
In contrast to Cornyn’s remarks, Senator Rand Paul expressed continued concern over the military tactics employed in the Caribbean. He criticized the decision to strike a boat carrying individuals in distress, stating, “There’s so much that’s inconsistent and wrong about this.” Paul also opposed the blockade, asserting that it could escalate tensions further.
The exchange highlights the deepening divide within Congress regarding the administration’s strategies in Latin America, particularly concerning Venezuela’s authoritarian regime led by Nicolás Maduro. The situation continues to unfold as lawmakers grapple with the implications of U.S. foreign policy in the region.
