Senate did not restrict Trump's ability to take military action in Venezuela

On Wednesday, the US Senate blocked a resolution that would have prevented President Donald Trump from using military force in Venezuela without prior congressional approval by a vote of 51 to 50. Vice President JD Vance cast the deciding vote after two Republicans changed their positions.

According to NBC News, Republican Senators Josh Hawley and Todd Young, who supported the Democrats' proposal last week, backed down after sharp criticism from the president. The vote originally passed by a margin of 52-47, but Republicans prevailed in the final vote.

Hawley justified his decision with a letter from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who assured him that there are currently no US troops in Venezuela. Young, meanwhile, said he had received assurances that if military intervention were to occur, the administration would seek congressional approval.

All Democrats and three Republicans voted for the resolution: Rand Paul, Lisa Murkowski, and Susan Collins. Senator Tim Kaine, who led the proposal, argued for the need to restore Congress's oversight function.

Minority Leader Chuck Schumer warned that Trump's escalating rhetoric toward Venezuela, Iran, and Greenland poses a risk. "Donald Trump is turning the Caribbean into a dangerous powder keg," he said. He called on the Senate to exercise its constitutional role on matters of military force.

(reuters, max)