UPDATE: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has just confirmed that the Senate will vote on military authorization regarding Venezuela within the week. The urgency of this vote comes after the dramatic capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro early Saturday morning, now in U.S. custody.
In a statement on ABC News, Schumer emphasized that while Maduro is a “horrible person,” the solution to “lawlessness” cannot be more lawlessness, referencing actions taken by the Trump administration. He stated, “You don’t treat lawlessness with other lawlessness,” highlighting concerns over military intervention.
Schumer, alongside Senators Tim Kaine and Rand Paul, is sponsoring a privileged resolution that will ensure Congress must approve any further U.S. military actions in Venezuela. “It’s going to come to the floor this week, and if it’s voted positively in both Houses, then the president can’t do another thing in Venezuela without the OK of Congress,” Schumer asserted.
The implications of this vote are significant. If passed, it would limit the executive branch’s military powers in Venezuela, a move that reflects growing bipartisan concern over military actions abroad. Schumer criticized the previous administration’s military operations, labeling them an “escapade” that detracts from pressing domestic issues, particularly the rising cost of living, which he identified as the Democratic Party’s top priority moving forward.
As the situation develops, observers are watching closely. Schumer indicated that holding new elections in Venezuela is “premature,” given that the current regime has persisted for over 15 years. He reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to addressing the challenges posed by Maduro’s leadership.
With the Senate set to take action soon, the coming days will be critical in determining the future of U.S. involvement in Venezuela. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
