The U.S. Senate defeated legislation aimed at curtailing the Trump administration’s use of the armed forces in Venezuela without congressional approval on Wednesday.
A procedural vote on the matter was advanced last week by a 52-47 margin, sparking harsh criticism from President Trump, who called on voters to primary Republicans who joined Democrats in the War Powers Resolution.
Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Todd Young (R-IN) changed their positions on the final vote on Wednesday after receiving assurances from Secretary of State Marco Rubio that there will be no “boots on the ground” in Venezuela, as the interim government of Delcy Rodríguez sleeps with one eye open, keeping her sights on power in Caracas.
Vice President JD Vance arrived on Capitol Hill shortly after 6:00 p.m. to cast the decisive vote in a 51-50 margin, essentially giving the president tremendous executive authority over the use of military force in the South American oil-rich territory.
The bill was proposed by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), who expressed concerns for the administration’s executive overreach in Venezuela, stating last week:
“...President Trump started a war with Venezuela that is profoundly disrespectful to U.S. troops, deeply unpopular, suspiciously secretive and likely corrupt. How is that ‘America First?”
Kaine also criticized the recent military operation resulting in the capture of the now deposed ruler of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, stating that the president’s use of the military was “clearly illegal because this military action was ordered without the congressional authorization the Constitution requires.”
Republican Senator John Barasso of Wyoming, on the other hand, argued the resolution “does not make America stronger. It makes America weaker and less safe”, as previously reported by Sociedad Media.
