A bipartisan group of U.S. senators, both Democrats and Republicans, introduced a resolution on Wednesday to prevent the U.S. military from taking action in Venezuela without approval from Congress. This move comes in response to President Donald Trump’s recent statements hinting at a potential military campaign in the region.
In the past few months, U.S. troops have conducted multiple operations targeting suspected drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, resulting in the deaths of 83 individuals. Trump’s administration has been intensifying military efforts against the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, citing the need to combat the flow of illegal drugs into the U.S. Maduro has consistently denied any involvement in drug trafficking.
President Trump has indicated to the media that a ground assault on Venezuelan territory could commence imminently. In reaction to these remarks, Democratic Senators Tim Kaine, Chuck Schumer, and Adam Schiff, along with Republican Senator Rand Paul, jointly submitted a resolution under the War Powers Act.
The senators, who have previously attempted to curb Trump’s aggressive stance towards Venezuela, had previously mentioned their intentions to propose a resolution if military action was taken without congressional approval. Following Trump’s recent statements, they decided to move forward with the resolution.
Schiff emphasized the importance of preventing an unauthorized conflict with Venezuela, highlighting the potential risks to American military personnel. The introduction of a war powers resolution triggers a mandatory vote within a set timeframe under Senate regulations.