WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Senate took a significant step today in opposing President Trump’s military threats against Venezuela.
Lawmakers advanced a resolution aimed at limiting future U.S. military force in Venezuela without congressional approval.
The resolution saw bipartisan support, with five Republican senators breaking ranks to advance it out of committee. This move paves the way for a future vote to limit the president’s powers in this regard.
The resolution seeks to withdraw armed forces from hostile actions against Venezuela, requiring Congress’s approval for any further military action.
This development follows the recent capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife in Caracas. They now face federal charges in New York. President Trump has threatened a second wave of attacks, stating that the U.S. will oversee Venezuela for now.
Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a co-sponsor of the bill, addressed the Senate floor with critical questions regarding Trump’s plan for Venezuela.
“What is Trump’s plan to run Venezuela, exactly? How long are we going to be there? How many of our people is he going to send? Who is even in charge and how, Mr. President, are we paying for this? There are no serious answers. The only thing we do know is why Trump is doing this: for oil,” said Murray.
Vice President JD Vance, during a news briefing, criticized the War Powers Act as a “fake and unconstitutional law,” stating, “It’s not going to change anything about how we conduct foreign policy over the next couple weeks or the next couple months.”
Later this month, the House is expected to vote on a similar measure to limit Trump’s military action in Venezuela. However, there remains a possibility that any War Powers resolution may not become law if it passes Congress, as it would require the president’s signature.
