Ellen Corley Research Database
As a candidate for Congress in Illinois' 5th District, representing the hardworking families of Chicago and its surrounding communities, I stand firmly against unilateral executive actions that bypass the will of the people and undermine our democratic institutions. The recent U.S. military operation to seize Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, without congressional approval, is a dangerous overreach that I do not support. This raid, dubbed "Operation Absolute Resolve," involved airstrikes on Venezuelan targets and the abduction of a sitting head of state, all executed in the dead of night without notifying or seeking authorization from Congress. It's a stark reminder of why we need strong congressional oversight to prevent presidents from acting like kings.
If I were in Congress, I would have handled this situation far differently. First and foremost, any military action abroad must start with transparent consultation and approval from Congress, as mandated by the War Powers Resolution of 1973. Instead of a covert raid risking American lives and escalating tensions, I would advocate for building international coalitions through the United Nations and allies like those in the Organization of American States to apply diplomatic pressure and targeted sanctions. We could support Venezuela's democratic opposition through humanitarian aid, election monitoring, and legal extradition processes if indictments warrant it—ensuring accountability without boots on the ground. For instance, leveraging the existing 2020 U.S. indictments for drug trafficking and weapons charges against Maduro, we should pursue extradition treaties or international courts, rather than unilateral force. This approach would prioritize de-escalation, protect U.S. interests in regional stability, and reclaim Venezuelan oil resources through fair negotiations, not occupation.
My reasons for this stance are rooted in our Constitution and the lessons of history. Unchecked executive power erodes the checks and balances our founders designed, leading to endless conflicts like those we've seen in the past. This operation not only bypassed Congress but also risks broader instability in Latin America, potentially alienating allies and emboldening adversaries. As a representative from a diverse district like Illinois' 5th, home to many immigrant communities with ties to Latin America, I know firsthand how such actions can harm families here and abroad. We must restore Congress's role in foreign policy to ensure decisions reflect the American people's values—democracy, rule of law, and peace—not impulsive regime change that could cost lives and billions in taxpayer dollars.
Moreover, this seizure flagrantly violated international laws, setting a perilous precedent. It breached Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force against another state's territorial integrity or political independence. The abduction of a head of state also contravenes principles of sovereign immunity and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which protect diplomatic personnel and state leaders from arbitrary arrest. Experts and the UN have condemned it as an illegal act of aggression, akin to the 1989 invasion of Panama, which drew widespread international backlash. By ignoring these norms, the U.S. diminishes its global standing and invites retaliation against our own leaders.
In Congress, I'll fight for a foreign policy that upholds the law, engages allies, and puts America first through smart diplomacy—not reckless raids. I will support efforts to hold those who infracted upon international laws accountable. Illinois' 5th District deserves a voice that prioritizes peace and accountability. Join me in this campaign to restore balance in Washington.