During Heated Hearing, Rubio Asserts US Action in Venezuela Will Foster Prosperity and Security
Discussions surrounding US action in Venezuela have intensified, culminating in a robust Senate Foreign Affairs Committee hearing. Many members had been eager to question the US Secretary of State about the evolving situation for some time, particularly following the unprecedented US airstrikes on Caracas and the ousting of Nicolás Maduro on January 3rd.
– A Long-Awaited Hearing: Tim Kaine, a Democratic senator from Virginia, welcomed the public hearing, emphasizing that it marked a significant moment to address the timeline leading to Maduro’s detention. He recapped major events, including the first US strike on alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean five months prior.
– Not War, but a Law Enforcement Operation: Senator Marco Rubio was clear in his stance during the hearing, asserting, We did not occupy a country. There are no US troops on the ground. This distinction aimed to address concerns over the Trump administration’s military actions in Venezuela and its implications under the War Powers Act.
– A Divided Dialogue: While Rubio characterized the intervention as a law enforcement operation,” his characterization was met with skepticism from critics such as Senator Rand Paul, who described it instead as a mere drug bust.
– Unyielding Support for Action: Despite facing vigorous questioning, Rubio maintained that the military’s actions were justified. He referred to Maduro as an indicted drug criminal, emphasizing that negotiating with him was futile due to his history of deceit.
– Corruption and Graft: Rubio explained that the underpinning of Maduro’s regime was rampant corruption, stating, The glue that held the regime together was corruption and graft. He expressed optimism that Maduro’s removal had opened pathways for positive changes.
US Control Over Venezuela’s Oil Industry
Rubio outlined a strategic plan for US oversight of Venezuela’s oil resources:
– Funds Management: He revealed that revenues from Venezuelan oil sales would initially be stored in an offshore account in Qatar, eventually transitioning to a blocked US Treasury account. The Venezuelan government would need to apply for access to these funds, which would be earmarked for specific needs.
– Economic Benefits for the US: Rubio articulated a vision where Venezuelan oil profits would primarily benefit US industries—providing goods ranging from food to chemicals—rather than benefiting adversarial nations like Russia or China.
– Military Force as a Possible Option: While optimistic, Rubio did not dismiss the possible use of military force in the future, stating, We don’t want that and we hope we don’t have to use it. This comment served as a cautionary message to Venezuelan officials.
The Path to Prosperity and Security
Rubio reiterated that the ultimate aim of the US involvement was a transition towards a stable, democratic government in Venezuela.
– Confidence in Latin America: With years of experience, Rubio conveyed his faith in Latin America’s potential, noting the ongoing developments in the region. He highlighted recent legislative changes allowing increased private investment from US energy companies as a positive sign.
– Short-Term vs. Long-Term Vision: While acknowledging that changes wouldn’t happen overnight, he cited historical precedents, referencing Spain and Paraguay’s shifts to democracy as models to draw from.
As the hearing concluded, all eyes were on Rubio and his assertions regarding US intervention in Venezuela. His remarks about Interim President Delcy Rodriguez’s commitment to cutting ties with the Cuban regime were particularly pointed, illustrating the interconnected nature of the two nations’ futures.
In summary, Rubio’s steadfast belief that US actions in Venezuela would usher in an era of prosperity and security remains a guiding principle of current US foreign policy. The ensuing months will determine if these ambitious goals materialize, affecting not only Venezuela but also its influential ally, Cuba.