US Senate to vote on resolution to prevent military attacks against Venezuela

Washington D.C., Nov 7 – The U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote this Thursday, November 6, at 5:00 PM local time, on a bipartisan resolution that seeks to restrict President Donald Trump's ability to order military attacks within or against Venezuela.

The measure, led by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine and co-sponsored by a group including Democrat Adam Schiff and Republican Rand Paul, demands that the occupant of the White House cease the use of U.S. Armed Forces for hostilities against the South American nation, unless Congress explicitly authorizes it through a declaration of war or a specific Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF).

The proponents of the resolution argue that Congress must not cede its war powers authority to the Executive Branch. Senator Kaine emphasized that if the Administration deems military action necessary, it must submit an AUMF for debate and a vote, rather than acting unilaterally.

This resolution comes after a similar attempt to halt attacks against alleged drug-trafficking boats off the coast of Venezuela was blocked by Republicans in October. Senators Kaine and Schiff have promised to continue pushing for votes on this issue, denouncing its illegality.

Thursday's vote takes place in the context of an increased U.S. military presence in waters near South America. The military has reported carrying out 16 attacks against vessels—accused without evidence of transporting narcotics—in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific since last September 2, resulting in the killing of at least 67 people.

Lawmakers' concern intensified following President Trump's confirmation that he had authorized the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela. Legislators from both parties have demanded the Trump Administration provide more information about the legal basis and intelligence behind the operations.

After a briefing, Democrats, including Senator Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, considered the answers regarding the legal justification insufficient, noting that the legal opinion presented did not even mention Venezuela.

For his part, a senior Administration official argued that the 1973 War Powers Resolution does not apply, as the attacks, largely carried out by drones from warships, are conducted at distances that do not endanger U.S. personnel.

Along the same lines, Senator Rand Paul has denounced the lack of due process in the attacks, questioning the lack of information about the identity of the people targeted and the evidence of their guilt.

The War Powers Resolution of 1973 requires the president to inform Congress within 48 hours of the introduction of forces into hostilities and to cease such actions within 60 days without congressional authorization. This 60-day period expired on Monday, November 3. (Text and Photo: Cubadebate)