Welcome to the ProRata podcast, the podcast that takes 10 minutes to get you smarter on the collision of tech, business, and politics.

Filling in for Dan Primack, I'm Nicholas Johnston. On today's show, do deficits matter and who is sharing your DNA data?

But first, the growing crisis in Venezuela.

At least two people were killed over the weekend when a U.S.-backed effort to deliver humanitarian

aid across the Colombian border was met by forces loyal to the Venezuelan government.

The clashes of the latest flashpoint in Venezuela's continued spiral into economic devastation.

Vice President Mike Pence is in Colombia today to speak to a group of nations working to solve the crisis.

He'll also talk to opposition leader Lon Guido.

It was recognition of Guido as the legitimate ruler of Venezuela earlier this year by the U.S. and other nations that accelerated the situation.

Since then, sanctions have been stepped up on the regime led by President

Nicholas Maduro, and concerns have grown about military action being the only solution.

For now, the Trump administration has been promising more humanitarian aid and stepped up economic

and diplomatic pressure. But of course, in typical Washington speak, all options are on the table.

And the stepped-up U.S. involvement comes as President Trump has been dialing back the U.S. presence in other hotspots, such as Syria and Afghanistan.

What's behind the Trump's interventionism in Venezuela?

And what role is Mike Pence playing?

In 15 seconds, we'll go deeper on those questions with Axios World Editor David Lawler. But first, this.

Axios Chief Technology correspondent, Enah Freed, shares breaking news and analysis on the most consequential companies and players in tech from the Valley to D.C.

Subscribe to get smarter faster at signup.axios.com.

And now, back to the pro rata podcast.

We're now joined by Axios World Editor David Lawler.

David, hello.

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