Lawmakers Move to Stop Potential Venezuela Attack

Senators are set to vote on a resolution that could prevent President Trump from attacking Venezuela without Congress's say-so. This comes after officials admitted they lack legal grounds for striking Venezuelan land, despite recent U. S. strikes on boats near Venezuela's coast. The resolution, led by Senators Tim Kaine, Adam Schiff, and Rand Paul, aims to curb Trump's ability to launch attacks on Venezuelan soil. Trump has hinted at possible land attacks, even authorizing covert CIA operations in the country. However, he later denied considering strikes, despite a significant U. S. military buildup in the Caribbean. During a recent briefing, lawmakers were told the administration doesn't want war with Venezuela. But Trump's unpredictable nature leaves room for doubt. Senator Mark Warner noted that the legal justification for boat strikes doesn't extend to land attacks. Legal experts argue these strikes might break international and U. S. laws. Congress members from both parties have criticized the lack of information about who was killed, evidence of drug trafficking, and the operation's cost. Over the past two months, the U. S. has launched at least 16 strikes on vessels in the Pacific and southern Caribbean, killing at least 65 people. The administration claims these targets were "narco-terrorists, " but evidence is scarce. The U. S. Constitution requires presidential approval from Congress for prolonged military operations. Senator Adam Schiff emphasized the need for Congress to reassert its responsibility. A previous resolution to stop boat strikes failed narrowly, with two Republicans supporting it and one Democrat opposing. Kaine and Schiff hope this new resolution, focusing on potential land strikes, will gain more Republican support.