Successful Operation to Arrest Nicolas Maduro

Floor Speech

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Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding to me.

Mr. Speaker, America is safer today. A narcoterrorist and an illegitimate government leader, Nicolas Maduro, is removed from office and is awaiting trial in the United States of America.

One of the clearest responsibilities of the President is ensuring that those who endanger American lives are brought to face justice. He did just that.

When Nicolas Maduro continued to operate with impunity, President Trump made the decision to enforce United States law and protect our national security interests.

Nicolas Maduro was not a legitimate leader. He was an indicted narcoterrorist who helped turn Venezuela into a hub for drug trafficking, corruption, and foreign influence that directly threatened the United States and our allies. For a year, there was bipartisan agreement on this fact. The difference is President Trump acted.

As Secretary of State Marco Rubio made clear, this was a limited law enforcement action carried out with precision to enforce U.S. laws and protect our homeland.

The message is clear: The Western Hemisphere is our home. It cannot and will not become a safe haven for drug cartels, Iranian proxies, or hostile actors who seek to undermine our security and poison our communities.

This action made clear that the United States is serious about defending our national interests and holding criminals accountable, not through rhetoric but through results.

I express my deep gratitude to the law enforcement officers, servicemembers, and intelligence professionals who carried out this operation. Their discipline and professionalism reflect the highest standards of our Nation.

I thank President Trump for his actions. He did not escalate a conflict. He enforced the law.

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