Rand Paul Joins Democrats in 'War Powers Resolution' Concerned About Trump Administration's Potential Strike on Venezuelan Territory

Senator Rand Paul, Republican from Kentucky, has partnered with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, along with Senators Tim Kaine of Virginia and Adam Schiff of California, to introduce a measure aimed at preventing President Donald Trump from independently initiating military operations in Venezuela.

The Constitution assigns the authority to declare war solely to Congress. Trumps recent strikes at sea and threats of a land invasion in Venezuela represent a serious overreach, said Senator Kaine in a post on X. I have submitted a bipartisan War Powers Resolution to stop another potentially endless conflict.

The Trump administration has carried out multiple strikes against vessels alleged to be involved in drug trafficking, mostly in the Caribbean.

Although President Trump campaigned on ending foreign wars, his administration is now taking unilateral steps that edge the U.S. toward conflict with Venezuela, without sharing details with the public about strategy, legal justification, or the consequences of prolonged engagement, including increased migration at the border, Kaine added.

Kaine also criticized what he called inconsistencies in the administrations approach: While military action is justified as a measure against drug trafficking, the administration has pardoned convicted traffickers, reduced funding for substance use and drug court programs, and avoided interdicting alleged narcotics vessels that could help prosecute top traffickers.

Senator Paul emphasized the constitutional aspect: The American public should not be drawn into a war with Venezuela without proper debate or congressional approval. Our Constitution requires deliberation before engaging in conflict.

President Trump has blamed drug traffickers for U.S. drug-related deaths and stated that strikes on land will begin soon, citing knowledge of trafficking routes and locations. He described the actions as necessary to prevent the spread of narcotics.

The resolution introduced by the four senators calls on Congress to stop the use of U.S. armed forces against Venezuela unless explicitly authorized through a declaration of war or a specific authorization for military force. It clarifies that the U.S. retains the right to defend itself against armed attacks or imminent threats.

Earlier attempts by Kaine, Paul, and Schiff to pass similar measures were unsuccessful, with only Paul and Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska supporting the effort from the Republican side.

Author: Connor Blake