Wisconsin Politicians respond to U.S. attack on Venezuela and capturing Maduro

MADISON, (WKOW) -- Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro has been taken into custody following a major U.S. military operation in Caracas. Maduro is expected to face charges tied to alleged drug trafficking and weapons violations, a move that could significantly impact relations between the United States and Venezuela. Reactions from political leaders around Wisconsin are beginning to come in as the community responds to the news. Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) : "This operation sends a clear message to America's adversaries: harming U.S. citizens carries consequences. Nicolás Maduro operated as a narco-terrorist under the false cover of political authority. His criminal network helped fuel the drug trafficking that has killed thousands of Americans. He is now detained and no longer in a position to threaten American lives. President Trump's decisive leadership made this possible. His administration has made it clear that America will no longer tolerate narco-terrorists who profit from the deaths of our citizens." Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI) : "Nicolas Maduro is a narcoterrorist, indicted on drug trafficking charges. He contributed to the overdose deaths of thousands of Americans each year. He will now face justice for his crimes and the suffering he caused so many American families." Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-WI) : "Nicolas Maduro was the leader of a designated terrorist narco-cartel responsible for the deaths of countless Americans, and he will now face justice for his crimes. I commend President Trump and the brave U.S. personnel who carried out this efficient and effective operation." Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) : "Trump not notifying Democratic leadership, much less rank-and-file members, continues the degradation of the rule of law. Regime change is serious. Playing politics with it raises more questions. We need a leader in the White House, not a FIFA soccer Peace prize winner." Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) : "After months of carrying out illegal strikes in the Caribbean, President Trump's unauthorized military attack on Venezuela to arrest Maduro and take control of a sovereign nation puts American troops in harm's way with no transparency, justification, or clear path forward. I'm committed to stopping the flow of illegal drugs and standing up to illegitimate dictators like Maduro, but President Trump has made a unilateral decision to initiate regime change, deploy American troops on the ground, and seemingly take control of Venezuela, all without congressional approval. The President does not have the unilateral authority to invade foreign countries, oust their governments, and seize their resources. Under the Constitution, the power to go to war lies with the people's branch. It's time for Republicans and Democrats in Congress to reassert our constitutional role in authorizing military force when needed and holding President Trump accountable before the United States is engaged in another war the American people did not choose."