A bipartisan group of U.S. senators, including both Democrats and Republicans, introduced a resolution on Wednesday to prevent any military intervention in Venezuela by the United States without prior approval from Congress. This action came after President Donald Trump hinted at the imminent commencement of a ground operation.
In recent weeks, U.S. military forces have conducted multiple strikes on suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific regions, resulting in the deaths of at least 83 individuals. The Trump administration has been intensifying its military presence as part of an ongoing effort to counter Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government. The administration claims that this military buildup is necessary to combat the flow of illegal drugs into the U.S., which has claimed American lives. Maduro has consistently denied any involvement in drug trafficking.
President Trump has made statements indicating that a ground assault on Venezuelan territory could begin “very soon,” sparking concerns among lawmakers. In response, Democratic Senators Tim Kaine, Chuck Schumer, and Adam Schiff, along with Republican Senator Rand Paul, jointly submitted a war powers resolution. This move follows their previous attempts to curtail Trump’s aggressive stance towards Venezuela.
The senators expressed their alarm over the possibility of being dragged into a conflict with Venezuela without proper legal justification or congressional authorization. They emphasized the need for the Senate to prevent an unauthorized military engagement that could endanger American troops. Schiff highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that the Senate must be ready to intervene to prevent an illegal war.
Under Senate regulations, a war powers resolution holds privileged status, requiring prompt consideration and a vote within a specified timeframe. The senators’ resolution aims to ensure that any military action against Venezuela is subject to thorough congressional deliberation and approval.