Senate to Force Vote on War Powers Resolution Challenging Venezuela Strikes
WASHINGTON – The Senate is set to vote on a War Powers Resolution aimed at halting unauthorized U.S. military strikes against alleged drug traffickers in Venezuela, escalating a dispute between Congress and the Biden administration over presidential authority to conduct military operations. The vote, spearheaded by Senator Rand Paul, comes after the 60-day deadline stipulated by the War Powers Resolution of 1973 passed on Monday without congressional authorization for the ongoing operations.
The resolution reflects growing concern among lawmakers regarding the lack of clarity and congressional oversight surrounding the recent, largely drone-based strikes. While the administration defends its actions as not constituting “hostilities” under the 1973 law, critics argue the strikes represent a significant use of military force requiring explicit congressional approval. The outcome of the vote could compel the administration to either seek formal authorization from Congress or cease the operations.
The war Powers Resolution of 1973 mandates presidential consultation with Congress before deploying armed forces into hostilities, barring a declaration of war or congressional authorization. In emergency situations, the administration is required to report to Congress within 48 hours of military action and terminate involvement within 60 days unless Congress explicitly approves continued operations.
The Biden administration has justified the strikes by asserting the resolution applies to situations where U.S. servicemembers are placed “in harm’s way.” A senior administration official stated the strikes, primarily conducted by drones launched from naval vessels, maintain a safe distance from American personnel. The official also maintained the administration does not classify the operations against alleged drug traffickers as “hostilities.”
Senator Paul has publicly criticized the strikes, raising concerns about potential civilian casualties and the absence of due process. “If anyone gave a you-no-what about justice,perhaps those in charge of deciding whom to kill might let us know thier names,present proof of their guilt,show evidence of their crimes,” Paul stated in a floor speech on October 8. “Is it too much to ask to know the names of those we kill before we kill them? To know what evidence exists of their guilt? At the very least, the government should explain how the gang came to be labeled as terrorists.”
Alan He, Jaala Brown, and ed O’Keefe contributed to this report.
