Senate GOP Blocks War Powers Resolution on U.S. Venezuela Strikes
On Thursday, Senate Republicans blocked a significant war powers resolution aimed at limiting military action against Venezuela. The resolution sought to prevent President Trump from conducting strikes in the region without explicit congressional approval.
Failed Vote on War Powers Resolution
The vote resulted in 49 senators in favor and 51 opposed, with only two Republican senators—Rand Paul of Kentucky and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska—supporting the measure. The effort, led by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, aimed to direct the president to cease military hostilities against Venezuela unless authorized by a declaration of war or specific military force approval.
Concerns Over Military Actions
Kaine emphasized that Congress should not relinquish its war powers to the executive branch. He stated, “If colleagues believe that a war against the narco-traffickers or Venezuela is justified, then they should bring a proper authorization for military force to the table.”
- The U.S. military has conducted 16 strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels since September 2, leading to at least 67 fatalities.
- The strikes occurred in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific.
- Two individuals survived one of the attacks.
Background and Response from Trump Administration
Kaine introduced the resolution on October 16, a day after President Trump announced he had authorized covert CIA operations in Venezuela. Trump cited an intent to combat drug trafficking originating from the sea. However, he noted there was no final decision regarding military strikes in Venezuela.
In preparation for the vote, the Trump administration briefed lawmakers on the strikes, sharing a legal opinion from the Justice Department. This opinion aims to justify the ongoing military actions. Yet, some lawmakers, including Democrats, expressed dissatisfaction with the legal rationale provided.
Democrats’ Doubts and Military Strategy
Senator Mark Warner of Virginia critiqued the legal opinion, stating it did not specifically address Venezuela and lacked necessary details. Conversely, House Speaker Mike Johnson asserted confidence in the intelligence regarding targeted vessels.
Kaine further argued that the legal opinion might allow for broader military actions globally. Meanwhile, some Republicans expressed discomfort with a potential escalation of conflict, particularly as military actions continue indefinitely.
- Kaine’s resolution required the U.S. to withdraw forces from unauthorized hostilities against Venezuela.
- It stated there is imminent involvement in hostilities within the South American nation.
Previous efforts to restrict military actions against Venezuela and drug trafficking have also been blocked by Senate Republicans. Kaine and Schiff plan to persist with their efforts to address war powers issues.
War Powers Resolution of 1973 Implications
The War Powers Resolution mandates that the president must consult Congress before engaging armed forces in hostilities, barring specific congressional authorization. The recent strikes, primarily performed by drones, were framed by the administration as not constituting hostilities.
Senator Rand Paul criticized the strikes, citing risks to innocent lives and a lack of due process. He questioned the basis for decisions made regarding who is targeted in aerial attacks, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in military operations.
