Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer announced that the Senate will vote this week on a resolution to authorize military action concerning Venezuela. This development follows the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. military forces early on a Saturday morning. Schumer emphasized the importance of Congress having oversight over any further actions involving Venezuela.
During an interview with ABC News, Schumer described Maduro as a “horrible person” but argued that the solution to Venezuela’s challenges should not involve “other lawlessness.” He criticized the previous actions of the Trump administration, asserting that their military operations had not benefited American interests.
Schumer, alongside Senators Tim Kaine and Rand Paul, is sponsoring the resolution, which he described as a privileged resolution. This classification means that it cannot be blocked by Republican senators. If the resolution passes with support from both houses of Congress, it would require presidential approval for any future military operations in Venezuela.
“That’s a privilege resolution, which means the Republicans can’t block it,” Schumer stated. He added, “It’s going to come to the floor this week, and if it is voted for in both Houses, then the president can’t do another thing in Venezuela without the OK of Congress. We have to pass it.”
Schumer also articulated that any talk of new elections in Venezuela is “premature,” given the longstanding nature of Maduro’s regime, which has been in place for over 15 years. He highlighted that the priority for the U.S. should be addressing the problems created by Maduro’s government, rather than engaging in further military escapades.
In the context of domestic priorities, Schumer asserted that the Democratic Party remains focused on easing the cost of living for Americans, labeling it the “No. 1 focus” as they approach upcoming elections.
This announcement comes amid rising concerns among several Republican committee chairs regarding the military actions taken by the Trump administration in Venezuela. Schumer noted that these GOP members have expressed apprehension about the implications of such operations.
As the situation unfolds, the Senate’s upcoming vote on military authorization will be closely monitored, not only for its potential impact on U.S.-Venezuela relations but also for its influence on American domestic policy and political dynamics.
