Democrats advocate for limitations on Trump in relation to Venezuela

Senate Democrats are intensifying efforts to curb President Donald Trumps contentious military initiatives in Venezuela. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) are set to introduce legislation aimed at prohibiting any U.S. military operations in Venezuela that lack Congressional authorization by blocking Pentagon funding for such missions.

The senators intend to request unanimous consent to bring the bill to a vote, though success is unlikely. This proposal follows a series of attempts by Senate Democratsand Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentuckyto restrain the administrations controversial strikes on suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean.

Another effort, led by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Kaine, and Paul, will soon force a vote on legislation to prevent Trump from engaging in hostilities against Venezuela. While expected to fail, the resolution is designed to challenge Republicans, some of whom are expressing concerns about the presidents actions.

Donald Trump cannot be trusted, and we must oppose another endless war, reckless regime change, and lethal operations that amount to extrajudicial killings, while doing nothing to protect the American people, Merkley said, recalling similar legislation he introduced in 2019.

Concerns on Capitol Hill have grown following reports of a second strike on a suspected drug vessel that resulted in fatalities among survivors. Despite these developments, Trump administration officials continue to resist limits on their decision-making, and the president maintains pressure on Venezuelan leader Nicols Maduro.

This pressure has intensified as Maduro has ignored private demands to step down. Administration insiders anticipate that Trump will soon decide on his next course of action, following a recent Venezuela-focused meeting with top national security advisers. Sources indicate the president may pursue a more forceful strategy to remove Maduro, whom the U.S. government accuses of leading a drug cartel.

On Tuesday, Trump told reporters that land strikes against drug traffickers could occur very soon, though it remains unclear whether these actions would take place specifically within Venezuela.

Author: Zoe Harrison