Republican senators are expressing concern and debate over the Biden administration’s handling of a recent operation in Venezuela, specifically regarding the lack of prior notification to the “Gang of Eight.” The Gang of Eight – comprised of the majority and minority leaders in both the House and Senate, as well as the chairs and vice chairs of the Intelligence Committees – is typically briefed on sensitive intelligence matters.
Concerns Over Notification
Senator James Lankford, a Republican member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, stated that the administration “should have” provided notification before the operation. Lankford cited a precedent of informing the Gang of Eight on major operations, referencing a past instance involving planned ordinance deployment in Iran. He emphasized, “There’s a normal process.”
Senator Mike Rounds, also a Republican on the Intelligence Committee, echoed this sentiment, questioning at what point the Gang of Eight should be included in such decisions. Other senators, including Shelley Moore Capito, are seeking clarification on President Trump’s statement regarding the US “running” Venezuela, with Capito suggesting a goal of preventing the return of a “narco terrorist” leader.
Leak Concerns and Differing Opinions
Despite the calls for notification, some Republicans expressed comfort with the decision to exclude the Gang of Eight, citing concerns about potential leaks. Senator John Kennedy bluntly stated, “This place leaks like the Titanic,” and suggested Congress was responsible for its own security vulnerabilities. Senator Thom Tillis agreed, arguing that even a single member of the group could have compromised the operation, prioritizing the safety of American soldiers.
The Gang of Eight is scheduled to receive a briefing on the matter this evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gang of Eight?
The Gang of Eight consists of the majority and minority leaders in the House and Senate, as well as the chairs and vice chairs of the House and Senate Intelligence Committees.
Did Senator Lankford express support for the operation in Venezuela?
Yes, Senator Lankford stated, “It’s a good thing for Maduro to be gone and him to be in federal prison,” but maintained that the Gang of Eight should have been notified beforehand.
What concerns did Senator Tillis raise regarding the Gang of Eight?
Senator Tillis argued that informing even one-eighth of the Gang of Eight could have potentially compromised the operation and the lives of American soldiers.
Given the differing opinions among Republican senators regarding the notification of the Gang of Eight, what does this suggest about the broader Republican response to the administration’s foreign policy initiatives?
