Rep. Adam Smith Comments on U.S. Actions Against Venezuelan Oil Shipments

Representative Adam Smith, the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, has commented on President Trump's actions regarding Venezuelan oil shipments.Smith stated that the move to block sanctioned Venezuelan oil is primarily intended to effect a change in Venezuela's government. He characterized the action as being about "regime change in the conflict with Venezuela," rather than solely focused on enforcing international laws against unauthorized vessels.The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that the U.S. Coast Guard is currently pursuing an oil tanker that recently departed from Venezuela. This incident is the third instance this month of an oil-carrying vessel being pursued off Venezuela's coast, with two prior ships having already been seized.These enforcement actions follow an announcement by President Donald Trump last week, where he declared a "total and complete blockade" against Venezuelan oil and sanctioned tankers. President Trump indicated that military pressure would persist "until they return to the United States of America, all of the oil, land and other assets that Venezuela stole from us."Venezuela has denied claims of theft from the U.S. and has stated that President Trump's interests are related to the country's natural resources, including its significant oil reserves.