WASHINGTON, D.C. – For weeks the US military has launched strikes against alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean. The White House claims these boats are coming from Venezuela. On Thursday, the Senate recently sunk a war powers resolution that would stop the President from potentially conducting military strikes inside Venezuela without congressional approval. It was a huge test on presidential war powers and congressional oversight.
In a 49 to 51 vote, Republican Senators did not approve a bipartisan resolution that aims to curb a potential military strike in Venezuela without congress giving it the green light. The War Powers Act is a law created in the 1970s. It limits the president’s ability to initiate or escalate military actions abroad without congress’ consent.
“The framers of this 1974 Act clearly intended for this act for congress should be able to have a vote and debate on this matter even before the initiation of war so that congress can be in a position to stop it before it begins,” said Sen. Tim Kaine (D- VA) who lead this legislation.
Senator Lindsey Graham (R- SC), who did not support this legislation, even suggested the war powers act is an infringement on the constitution
“The war powers act at its heart takes away the ability for the commander in chief to conduct military matters and gives that right to us,” said Sen. Graham.
The majority of Republicans did not support this resolution. The administration has been briefing congressional members recently as congress has looked to get more information about the strikes on alleged drug-carrying boats. Along with these strikes, some Senators said the large buildup of our naval presence in the Caribbean, which includes warships, fighter jets and a nuclear-powered submarine, is escalating tensions.
“We’re told that only drug dealers are the target of US operations but the consolidation of the largest US forces in the Caribbean in 35 years suggest regime change may be the intended goal,” said Sen. Rand Paul (R- KY), who supported the legislation.
Senators on both sides agree Venezuela’s leader Nicolas Maduro, who they compare to likes of Saddam Hussein and Mummar Gaddafi, has ruled the south American country with an iron fist for years. During an interview on CBS 60 minutes, the President said Maduro’s days are numbered but did not confirm that US military strikes in Venezuela are imminent.
“As we have seen all too well in recent decades, foreign military interventions often end up making things worse,” said Sen. Paul. “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”
