Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer announced on March 10, 2024, that he plans to introduce a resolution under the War Powers Act to restrict further military operations in Venezuela. This declaration follows President Donald Trump‘s claim that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were apprehended in Caracas with support from American military forces.
During an appearance on ABC’s “This Week,” Schumer criticized the operation as “lawlessness” and emphasized that Congress must intervene. He expressed concern for the American public, stating, “The American people this morning are scratching their heads in wonderment and in fear of what the president’s proposed.” He highlighted the historical consequences of U.S. intervention in foreign nations, noting that such actions often place a burden on American citizens both in terms of lives and financial costs.
Schumer asserted that the Trump administration lacked the legal authority to conduct the military operation. Trump had previously characterized the mission as the United States “running” Venezuela, indicating that senior officials, including Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine, would oversee operations.
“They did not just do ships off the water,” Schumer stated. “They went inside Venezuela, bombed civilian as well as military places, and it’s a violation of the law to do what they did without getting the authorization of Congress.”
The military actions have drawn ire from various critics, including prominent podcasters who have called for Trump’s impeachment. Congressional Democrats have decried the operation as an illegal war, with Schumer accusing administration officials of misleading both Congress and the American public.
During the discussion, host George Stephanopoulos inquired about Congress’s options in light of the situation. Schumer responded that the War Powers Act allows for a privileged resolution which cannot be blocked by Republicans. He, along with Senators Tim Kaine and Rand Paul, is sponsoring the resolution aimed at limiting the president’s ability to act unilaterally in Venezuela.
Schumer’s stance on Trump’s Venezuela policy marks a significant shift from his comments in 2020 when he criticized the president for not taking decisive action against Maduro, who was indicted on drug trafficking charges that March. At that time, Schumer had stated, “The President brags about his Venezuela policy? Give us a break. He hasn’t brought an end to the Maduro regime.”
The upcoming resolution is set to be debated in Congress this week, potentially impacting the U.S. approach to Venezuela in the coming days.
