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Dave Mattingly (0:19)
Live from NPR News. In Washington, I'm Dave Mattingley. The president of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, is scheduled to make his first appearance in a federal court in the US Today. His arraignment in New York comes two days after he was captured by US Military forces in Caracas. Maduro is facing counts that include narco terrorism, conspiracy and weapons charges. NPR's Joe Hernandez has more.
Joe Hernandez (0:47)
In the early stages of the case against him, Maduro will be advised of his right to an attorney, his right to remain silent and the charges against him, according to former federal prosecutor Adam Fels. Fels, who worked on the case against El Chapo Guzman, says a judge will also decide whether to release Maduro or confine him before trial and that defendants in narcotics cases involving guns are often kept behind bars while their cases unfold.
Adam Fels (1:11)
There's a very high presumption of detention that I don't imagine that a defense attorney would be able to overcome and maybe not even try to overcome.
Joe Hernandez (1:21)
Maduro faces charges including narco terrorism and cocaine trafficking. Joe Hernandez, NPR News.
Dave Mattingly (1:28)
Members of Congress returned from their holiday recess this week. NPR's Barbara Sprunt says the U.S. airstrikes on Venezuela and the subsequent arrests of the country's president and first lady are expected to dominate discussions in the short term.
Barbara Sprunt (1:43)
GOP lawmakers have largely been supportive of the operation but have requested briefings. President Trump is scheduled to meet with all House Republicans Tuesday. Congressional Democrats have denounced the administration's actions, saying the White House illegally circumvented Congress, which has not authorized military action against Venezuela. This comes as Congress faces a long to do list. They have to pass nine appropriations bills by the end of the month or risk another government shutdown. The House is also expected to take up a vote on extending health insurance subsidies that expired at the end of 2025. Barbara Sprunt, NPR News, Washington.
Dave Mattingly (2:21)
Among those voicing sharp criticism of President Trump for the operation to arrest Venezuela's president is Democratic Senator Chris Van Holland of mary. He tells CBS's Face the Nation Trump's focus on Venezuela and Maduro has never been about stopping drugs from entering the U.S. van Hollen says he believes Trump wanted Maduro gone from power to allow American oil companies to gain access to the country's vast oil supplies. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told NBC's Meet the Press the operation was primarily about halting drug trafficking into the U.S. rubio also said holding elections in Venezuela at this point would be premature. Much of the southern US Will be getting a break from winter's colder temperatures this week in Texas. The National Weather Service says afternoon highs in Dallas will be in the 70s for the next several days. This is NPR News. Later today, long track speed skaters will wrap up their attempt to qualify for the US Olympic team ahead of the upcoming Winter Games. Team trials are being held in Wisconsin. Chuck Kwornbach reports on a veteran competitor who won the women's 1500 meter competition yesterday in Milwaukee.