US Senators Vow to Force Vote on Venezuela War Powers if Strike Occurs
A group of high-ranking US senators from both parties has issued a joint statement, warning that they will file a new resolution to force a congressional vote on war powers if the administration carries out a strike within Venezuela. The senators, including Tim Kaine, Chuck Schumer, Adam Schiff, and Rand Paul, are reacting to recent reports of US military operations off the coast of Venezuela.
According to the senators, any unauthorized military action against Venezuela would be "a colossal and costly mistake that needlessly risks the lives of our servicemembers." They also cited concerns about the administration's handling of the situation, including a report that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered a second strike on a boat carrying survivors of a previous strike.
The senators are seeking to block the use of US forces in hostilities against or within Venezuela if a strike occurs. They plan to introduce a new War Powers Resolution, which would force a debate and vote in Congress on the issue.
Republican lawmakers have launched investigations into the US military campaign off the coast of Venezuela, with some expressing concerns about the administration's actions. Senator Mike Rounds said he is still trying to ascertain the facts of the strike and its potential violation of international law.
The situation has sparked tension between the White House and lawmakers, with some Republicans criticizing the administration's handling of a proposed Ukraine peace plan they say favors Russia. However, on Venezuela, there appears to be more unity among lawmakers, who are calling for greater transparency and oversight.
US troops have carried out at least 21 strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific in the past three months, killing at least 83 people. The White House has defended the strikes as necessary to protect US interests, but critics argue that they amount to a violation of international law.
The situation remains fluid, with lawmakers demanding more information about the administration's actions and plans for Venezuela. As one senator noted, "We may have a problem" if the administration proceeds with further military operations without congressional approval.
A group of high-ranking US senators from both parties has issued a joint statement, warning that they will file a new resolution to force a congressional vote on war powers if the administration carries out a strike within Venezuela. The senators, including Tim Kaine, Chuck Schumer, Adam Schiff, and Rand Paul, are reacting to recent reports of US military operations off the coast of Venezuela.
According to the senators, any unauthorized military action against Venezuela would be "a colossal and costly mistake that needlessly risks the lives of our servicemembers." They also cited concerns about the administration's handling of the situation, including a report that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered a second strike on a boat carrying survivors of a previous strike.
The senators are seeking to block the use of US forces in hostilities against or within Venezuela if a strike occurs. They plan to introduce a new War Powers Resolution, which would force a debate and vote in Congress on the issue.
Republican lawmakers have launched investigations into the US military campaign off the coast of Venezuela, with some expressing concerns about the administration's actions. Senator Mike Rounds said he is still trying to ascertain the facts of the strike and its potential violation of international law.
The situation has sparked tension between the White House and lawmakers, with some Republicans criticizing the administration's handling of a proposed Ukraine peace plan they say favors Russia. However, on Venezuela, there appears to be more unity among lawmakers, who are calling for greater transparency and oversight.
US troops have carried out at least 21 strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific in the past three months, killing at least 83 people. The White House has defended the strikes as necessary to protect US interests, but critics argue that they amount to a violation of international law.
The situation remains fluid, with lawmakers demanding more information about the administration's actions and plans for Venezuela. As one senator noted, "We may have a problem" if the administration proceeds with further military operations without congressional approval.