US Lawmakers Clash Over Trump’s Venezuela Actions Ahead of Senate Vote
US senators offered sharply contrasting views ahead of a vote aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s authority over military action in Venezuela. Republican Senator James Risch argued that the United States is not engaged in an ongoing military campaign.
He said the military was involved for roughly 47 minutes over the weekend and described the operation as a one-off law enforcement action rather than the start of a war. Risch insisted that the president is not pursuing further military operations.
He also claimed the US Constitution clearly empowers the president to use military force to protect national security, backing the administration’s assertion that Nicolás Maduro posed a threat. Risch praised Trump as decisive and committed to keeping Americans safe.
In contrast, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer urged lawmakers to assert Congress’s constitutional authority over matters of war and peace. He said the Senate must send a clear message to the president opposing unilateral military action and calling for an end to “endless wars.”
