Sen. Ben Sasse: Congress Won't Authorize Military Action in Venezuela

Hours after President Donald Trump threatened to use military action in Venezuela, a junior Republican senator said that's not going to happen.

"No. Congress obviously isn't authorizing war in Venezuela," Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., said in a statement Friday night, The Hill reported Saturday.

Venezuelan President "Nicolas Maduro is a horrible human being, but Congress doesn't vote to spill Nebraskans' blood based on who the Executive lashes out at today," Sasse explained.

Trump told reporters at his golf resort in Bedminster, N.J., on Friday military action is one of America's options in dealing with the growing humanitarian and economic crisis in Venezuela. Inflation is through the roof, there are shortages of food and basic supplies, and protests against the government frequently occur.

"The people are suffering and they are dying. We have many options for Venezuela, including a possible military option if necessary," Trump said.

Last month, national security advisor H.R. McMaster called Maduro a "dictator."

Newsmax's John Gizzi reported this week that one option that's not on the table is a U.S.-backed coup to overthrow the Venezuelan government.

• Venezuela Defense Chief Calls Trump's Intervention Threat 'Crazy'
• US Orders Venezuela Embassy Families Out, Crisis Deepens