Schumer Proposes Resolution Against Military Action in Venezuela

During an appearance on “This Week,” Senator Chuck Schumer from New York announced plans to introduce a War Powers Act resolution aimed at halting any further military action in Venezuela. This announcement follows President Trump’s declaration that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured during a U.S. military patrol in Caracas.

Schumer referred to the operation as “an act of lawlessness” and stressed that Congress needed to respond. He noted, “The American people are scratching their heads in shock and horror at the president’s proposal. It seems like the United States would be, in some way, running Venezuela. We’ve learned that attempts at regime change and nation-building often lead to significant consequences for the American public.” Schumer emphasized that such actions resulted in both loss of lives and substantial financial costs.

Additionally, Schumer argued that the Trump administration lacks the authority to proceed with this operation. At a press event, Trump stated that senior officials from his administration, including Marco Rubio and Army Secretary Pete Hegseth, would take command in this endeavor. In response, Schumer criticized the military actions taken, saying, “They didn’t just build ships at sea; they bombed both military and civilian places, all without Congress’s authorization, which is illegal.”

Several Democratic members of Congress supported Schumer in denouncing the operation as an unlawful war. They accused Trump administration officials of misleading both the public and Congress regarding the true nature of the mission.

Schumer outlined that the War Powers Act allows for a privileged resolution, meaning it cannot be blocked by Republicans. He, alongside Tim Kaine and Rand Paul, are sponsoring this resolution, which is expected to be voted on in the coming week. If it passes, it will significantly restrict the president’s options regarding Venezuela without Congressional approval.

This marks a shift in Schumer’s stance towards President Trump; back in 2020, he criticized Trump for not doing enough to remove Maduro, who was then facing drug trafficking charges. Schumer remarked then, “Is the president boasting about his Venezuela policy? He hasn’t ended the Maduro regime.”