The United States Senate debated this Thursday a resolution promoted by Democratic senators that seeks to stop President Donald Trump’s attempts to launch a military intervention in Venezuela without due authorization from Congress. The initiative, led by Senator Tim Kaine, represents a firm rejection of what many already consider a covert strategy of regime change and looting of Venezuelan resources.
“We are tired of Congress abdicating this most solemn power to a president,” declared Kaine, underscoring the urgency of restoring constitutional balance in the face of an Executive that acts with increasing unilateralism.
The resolution, although it faces obstacles to becoming law—since it would require Trump’s own signature—has served as a powerful political statement. It allows lawmakers to express alarm at the military escalation in the Caribbean, where the United States has deployed unprecedented naval force, including its most advanced aircraft carrier. This show of force, far from being limited to anti-drug operations, has been interpreted by experts and legislators as an unequivocal sign that the White House seeks to destabilize the government of Nicolás Maduro to impose leadership aligned with its interests.
Even members of the Republican Party have demanded greater transparency about ongoing military operations, questioning the administration’s true goals. The lack of clarity has raised concerns about a possible armed intervention that could drag the United States into a new unnecessary conflict in Latin America.
“It is really an open secret that this goes far beyond a possible regime change,” warned Senator Adam Schiff, co-author of the resolution. “If that is the direction the government is heading in — risking war to impose its will and control strategic resources like Venezuelan oil — then Congress should have a say.”
Democratic senators have made it clear that they will not allow Trump to use the armed forces as a personal foreign policy tool, nor to turn Venezuela into a geopolitical chessboard for his political or economic benefit. The resolution represents a crucial step in the defense of democracy, both in the United States and in the hemisphere.
