Senators Seek to Block Trump Military Action in Venezuela

Senators Tim Kaine, Adam Schiff and Rand Paul introduced a bipartisan War Powers resolution to block President Trump from engaging U.S. forces within or against Venezuela without explicit congressional authorization and to force a Senate vote under the 1973 War Powers Act. The measure follows U.S. strikes on alleged drug‑trafficking boats in the Caribbean that the administration says killed roughly 27–30 people, and deployments to the southern Caribbean of ships, troops, a nuclear‑powered submarine and fighter jets. Trump has disclosed he authorized covert CIA operations and is considering land operations, prompting concerns about unauthorized escalation. Venezuela has responded with military exercises, moved troops toward the Colombian border and petitioned the U.N. to denounce U.S. actions as illegal. Supporters say Congress must assert its constitutional war powers and force lawmakers on record; critics say the resolution faces long odds in a Republican‑controlled Senate, would likely draw a presidential veto, and backers hope to exploit rare Republican defections after a similar 48–51 defeat last week.