As Congress reconvenes this week, Sacramento Congressman Ami Bera highlighted growing unease among Republican lawmakers regarding actions taken by President Donald Trump. Bera noted that these concerns are particularly focused on Trump’s recent decisions, including those concerning foreign relations.
During a recent interview, Bera stated, “I think they are very worried about what they’re seeing coming out of the President.” He emphasized that Republican lawmakers were not consulted about U.S. actions regarding Venezuela, which have raised alarms within the party.
Bera, a Democrat who serves on both the House Foreign Affairs and Intelligence Committees, returned on Sunday from a trip to South America, where he met with officials, including Peru’s foreign minister. He described the situation in Venezuela as precarious in light of recent U.S. military actions that led to the ousting of President Nicolás Maduro.
“They’re happy Maduro is gone,” Bera remarked regarding Peruvian officials. “They want to see a stable Venezuela, but they’re cautious because you still have the Maduro regime in place, and a lot could go wrong.” He indicated that while Peru welcomes Maduro’s removal, there are concerns that ongoing instability might increase migration into neighboring countries.
Back in Washington, Congress is facing a potential government shutdown at the end of the month. Bera pointed out the need for lawmakers to address several pressing issues, including healthcare subsidies and immigration policy. He specifically referenced the recent turmoil in Minneapolis, which has raised additional complications for lawmakers.
Bera also criticized Trump’s recent comments about the potential acquisition of Greenland, framed by the president as a matter of national security. “President Trump is not listening to anyone,” Bera stated. “Now he’s talking about invading Greenland, and our closest allies in Europe are pissed off with us. He’s alienating everyone.”
The congressman expressed hope that Republican colleagues would recognize the pressing need to work around the president to advance legislative priorities. “I hope when I get back there tomorrow, Republicans will say enough is enough — let’s go around the president and get some of this stuff done,” he said.
Despite the challenges ahead, Bera remains optimistic that Congress can avoid a government shutdown. “I do not think the government will shut down because we saw how it hurt Americans,” he noted. “We should negotiate. There’s going to be give and take. As Democrats, we’re not going to get everything we want. That’s how we’ve passed the appropriations bills so far, and I hope we get it done this week.”
Bera also underscored the bipartisan support for extending healthcare subsidies, citing that 17 Republicans joined Democrats to support the measure, despite Trump’s opposition.
