WASHINGTON: In a significant political maneuver, the US Senate has moved to advance a resolution that would restrict President Donald Trump from unilaterally taking military action against Venezuela without congressional approval. This decision comes as Trump himself suggested that American oversight of Venezuela could extend for several years, highlighting a growing tension between the executive branch and Congress.
The Senate’s procedural vote, which passed by a narrow margin of 52 to 47, saw a rare coalition of Democrats and a handful of Republican senators siding together. This coalition aims to assert congressional authority over military engagements, a power explicitly outlined in the US Constitution.
Trump’s Vision for Venezuela
In an interview with The New York Times, Trump outlined a vision for prolonged US involvement in Venezuela, suggesting that American control over the nation’s oil revenues could be maintained for an extended period. He remarked, “Only time will tell” when asked about the duration of US oversight, indicating it could last much longer than a year.
Trump’s comments also included a shift in his stance towards Colombia, a neighboring country of Venezuela. Previously critical of Colombia’s leadership, Trump invited its leftist president to Washington, signaling a potential thaw in relations.
Political Prisoners and Opposition Demands
Meanwhile, in Venezuela, top lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez announced the impending release of a significant number of prisoners, both foreign and Venezuelan. This move is seen as a gesture of goodwill towards the opposition, which has long demanded the release of political prisoners. Local rights group Foro Penal estimates there are 863 political prisoners in the country, including activists and journalists.
The White House has not commented on this development, and Trump has declined to explain why the US has not transferred power to the Venezuelan opposition, which it previously recognized as the legitimate government following the disputed 2024 election.
Congressional Pushback and Future Implications
The Senate vote represents a notable victory for lawmakers advocating for congressional oversight of military actions. Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, a co-sponsor of the resolution, emphasized the importance of congressional debate and approval before engaging in military conflicts.
“None of us should want this president, or any president, to take our sons and daughters to war without notice, consultation, debate, and vote in Congress,” Kaine stated.
However, the resolution faces significant hurdles. To become law, it must pass the House of Representatives, where Trump’s Republican party holds a majority. Even if passed, a two-thirds majority in both chambers would be required to override a likely presidential veto.
Despite these challenges, the vote marks a rare instance of Republican senators breaking ranks with Trump. The five Republicans who supported the resolution include Senators Rand Paul, Susan Collins, Josh Hawley, Lisa Murkowski, and Todd Young. Trump criticized these senators, suggesting they should not be re-elected.
Legal and Diplomatic Dynamics
Opponents of the resolution argue that the operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was a law enforcement action, not a military one. Maduro, facing trial in the US on drug and gun charges, has pleaded not guilty. The debate over the nature of this operation underscores the complex legal and diplomatic dynamics at play.
In a related diplomatic development, Trump spoke with Colombian President Gustavo Petro, a conversation described as cordial by both parties. This interaction follows Trump’s announcement of a plan to refine and sell Venezuelan oil, previously blocked under US sanctions.
As the situation unfolds, the world watches closely to see how US-Venezuelan relations and regional stability will evolve under this unprecedented oversight strategy. The coming weeks are likely to bring further developments as Congress and the Trump administration navigate this contentious issue.
