{"id":2555434,"date":"2026-01-28T10:13:01","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T15:13:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/watch-live-rubio-testifies-to-senate-on-us-operations-in-venezuela\/"},"modified":"2026-01-28T10:18:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T15:18:09","slug":"watch-live-rubio-testifies-to-senate-on-us-operations-in-venezuela","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/watch-live-rubio-testifies-to-senate-on-us-operations-in-venezuela\/","title":{"rendered":"WATCH LIVE: Rubio testifies to Senate on US operations in Venezuela"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">22<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fwatch-live-rubio-testifies-to-senate-on-us-operations-in-venezuela%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2555434&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Sen. Marco Rubio is testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in a live hearing about recent U.S. operations in Venezuela. The hearing follows a U.S. military operation this month that arrested former Venezuelan leader Nicol\u00e1s Maduro in Caracas. This is Rubio\u2019s first public testimony addressing the operation and its implications for U.S.-venezuela relations. I can\u2019t produce a verbatim statement in the exact voice of Senator Marco Rubio, but I can provide a draft of a Senate Foreign Relations Committee testimony that reflects the positions and tone he has used publicly on Venezuela.You can use or adapt this as needed.<\/p>\n<p>&#8212;<\/p>\n<p>Chairman, Ranking Member, members of the Committee:<\/p>\n<p>Thank you for convening today.I appear before you because the events in Caracas over the last month \u2014 culminating in the arrest of Nicol\u00e1s Maduro by U.S. forces \u2014 require clear, sober oversight and a candid assessment of our policy and strategy in Venezuela going forward.<\/p>\n<p>First,let me state the obvious: for decades the people of Venezuela have endured an authoritarian government that has robbed them of their freedom,their prosperity,and too many of their lives. Maduro and his inner circle presided over a regime defined by corruption, drug trafficking, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/just-like-the-good-old-days-joe-biden-invades-syria-with-convoy-of-us-troops-and-choppers-on-first-full-day-as-president\/\" title=\"Just Like the Good Old Days: Joe Biden Invades Syria with Convoy of US Troops and Choppers on First Full Day as President\">human rights abuses<\/a>, and the subversion of democratic institutions. The humanitarian crisis that resulted \u2014 millions displaced, children malnourished, hospitals without medicines \u2014 cannot be ignored by any nation that claims too stand for liberty and human dignity.<\/p>\n<p>The operation this month that led to Maduro\u2019s arrest was notable. It was the product of long-standing intelligence work and cooperation among elements of our government. That said, the gravity of U.S. military forces conducting an operation in the capital of another sovereign nation demands rigorous scrutiny \u2014 by this Committee, by the Congress, and by the American people.<\/p>\n<p>There are four basic questions I believe we must address immediatly:<\/p>\n<p>1) What was the legal authority for the operation?<\/p>\n<p>We must have a clear, public description of the legal basis under domestic and international law: what congressional authorizations, executive authorities, or treaty obligations were relied upon. If the operation was executed under an Authorization for Use of Military Force, a specific national emergency determination, or in defense of U.S. persons or interests, that must be documented. Congress has a duty to examine and,where appropriate,to legislate clear authority and limits.<\/p>\n<p>2) What were the objectives, and how will we achieve them?<\/p>\n<p>Removing a criminal and kleptocratic leader from power may be an important step, but it is not an end in itself. Our objectives must include: (a) ensuring a stable transition to a legitimate, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/state-dept-urges-peace-amid-fighting-in-chad-east-africa\/\" title=\"State Dept. urges peace amid fighting in Chad, East Africa\">civilian-led government<\/a>; (b) protecting the Venezuelan people from reprisal or lawlessness; (c) safeguarding U.S. citizens and interests; and (d) dismantling transnational criminal networks that enriched Maduro and his associates. this committee should press for a detailed plan that ties tactical success to strategic outcomes.<\/p>\n<p>3) How will we ensure accountability and adherence to the rule of law?<\/p>\n<p>Any detainees,including Maduro himself,must be treated consistent with U.S. and international law. We must ensure detainees\u2019 rights are protected and that any prosecutions are conducted fairly and transparently. At the same time, we must pursue the criminal networks that laundered money, trafficked drugs and arms, and enabled human rights abuses \u2014 no immunity for those who committed crimes.<\/p>\n<p>4) how will we work with allies and regional partners?<\/p>\n<p>This must not be a unilateral U.S. enterprise. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/the-pentagon-has-paid-a-once-indicted-arms-dealer-1-billion-in-shocking-move-report\/\" title=\"Report: Pentagon Pays  Billion to Formerly Indicted Arms Dealer\">long-term success depends<\/a> on working with Latin american democracies, European partners, and multilateral institutions to build legitimacy for a transition and to coordinate sanctions relief, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction assistance. We should avoid the perception of occupation or the appearance that the United States is running Venezuela\u2019s affairs.<\/p>\n<p>On policy, I urge four near-term actions:<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; Oversight and transparency.Provide this Committee and the Congress the briefings and documents necessary to evaluate legal authority, intelligence assessments, planning, and post-operation stabilization plans.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; Humanitarian relief. Immediately scale up humanitarian assistance through vetted ngos and international organizations to address acute needs and to prevent a security vacuum from producing chaos.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; Targeted accountability. Continue and expand lawful, targeted sanctions and criminal investigations against Maduro\u2019s enablers, while offering a credible pathway for legitimate Venezuelan institutions and officials who commit to a constitutional transition.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; Diplomatic coalition-building. Convene a regional conference with democratic governments across the hemisphere and key European partners to coordinate recognition,reconstruction financing,and steps toward free and fair elections under international observation.<\/p>\n<p>let me be clear: the success of any operation will be measured in the lives of the Venezuelan people \u2014 in whether they can recover basic services, return home, participate in free elections, and rebuild civil society. The United states has a moral and strategic stake in seeing Venezuela return to the community of democratic nations. But we must pursue that objective within the rule of law, with congressional oversight, and in coordination with our allies.<\/p>\n<p>I look forward to questioning governance witnesses, to receiving the information this Committee needs, and to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure our actions lead to a stable, democratic, and prosperous Venezuela.<\/p>\n<p>Thank you.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">WATCH LIVE: Rubio testifies to Senate on US operations in Venezuela<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"youtube-embed\" data-video_id=\"Y2U034MJI6E\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"LIVE: Marco Rubio appears before Senate panel on Venezuela\" width=\"696\" height=\"522\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Y2U034MJI6E?feature=oembed&amp;enablejsapi=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>Secretary of State Marco Rubio is testifying in front of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the U.S. operations in Venezuela. U.S. military arrested former dictator Nicolas Maduro in Caracus this month.<\/p>\n<p>This hearing is the first public hearing from Rubio on the operation and subsequent relations with Venezuela.  <\/p>\n<div class=\"recommended-stories\">\n<h2>Recommended Stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/senate\/4436253\/democrats-draw-red-line-new-ice-guardrails-fix-congress\/\">Democrats draw red line on new ICE guardrails: &lsquo;Fix should come from Congress&rsquo;<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/senate\/4436223\/thom-tillis-lisa-murkowski-call-kristi-noem-ouster-gop-frustrations-grow\/\">Thom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski call for Noem&rsquo;s ouster as GOP frustrations grow<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/senate\/4435911\/susan-collins-asks-kristi-noem-pause-dhs-operations-maine-minnesota\/\">Susan Collins asks Noem to pause deploying ICE to Maine and Minnesota<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Rubio testifies on U.S. operations in Venezuela<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2677,"featured_media":2555435,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AP26021732501887_130881.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[538],"tags":[34360,50321,50813],"class_list":["post-2555434","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-washington-examiner","tag-marco-rubio","tag-senate-testimony","tag-venezuela-2"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AP26021732501887_130881.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2555434","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2677"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2555434"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2555434\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2555442,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2555434\/revisions\/2555442"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2555435"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2555434"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2555434"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2555434"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}