UPDATE: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has just announced that a crucial Senate vote on military authorization regarding Venezuela will take place this week. The urgency of this vote comes on the heels of the U.S. military’s capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro early Saturday morning, raising significant questions about U.S. intervention and future actions in the region.
Schumer emphasized that while Maduro is a “horrible person,” responding to “lawlessness” with “other lawlessness” is not the solution. He criticized the previous actions taken by the Trump Administration, stating that they do not benefit the American people. “That’s a privilege resolution, which means the Republicans can’t block it,” Schumer stated during an interview on ABC News. He, along with Senators Tim Kaine and Rand Paul, is sponsoring the resolution set to be voted on this week.
If passed by both the Senate and the House, this resolution would limit presidential powers, ensuring that any further military actions in Venezuela require congressional approval. Schumer reiterated the importance of this measure, claiming, “We have to pass it.”
The backdrop of this development includes the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, fueled by years of political turmoil under Maduro’s regime. Schumer pointed out that it is “premature” to consider new elections, given the longstanding issues the country has faced.
With the vote looming, the stakes are high. The resolution not only addresses military intervention but also highlights the Democratic Party’s focus on domestic issues, particularly the rising cost of living, which Schumer noted will be their “No. 1 focus” moving forward.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the Senate this week. The implications of the vote will resonate beyond U.S. borders, impacting international relations and the humanitarian situation in Venezuela. Stay tuned for more urgent updates as this story develops.
