Should Congress require the withdrawal of military forces from Venezuela?

Foreign Affairs/Relations National Security and Defense
To direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress (S.J.Res. 90)
Awaiting Vote
Bill Summary

This bill would require the U.S. to withdraw any military forces involved in or preparing for conflict in Venezuela unless Congress officially authorizes it. The resolution emphasizes that only Congress can declare war under the Constitution. It responds to reports of increased U.S. military and intelligence activity near Venezuela that could lead to hostilities. This bill does not prevent the U.S. from defending itself if attacked or facing an immediate threat. Sponsor: Sen. Tim Kaine (Democrat, Virginia)
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Opponents say

•      The Administration strongly opposes passage of S.J. Res. 90, a joint resolution that would direct the

removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela. S.J. Res. 90 fails to account for the extraordinary national security threat posed by transnational violent drug trafficking cartels and narco-terrorists operating in and around the Caribbean Sea. For decades, the response to the flow of illicit narcotics into the United States has primarily relied on the use of law enforcement authorities. These efforts have been ineffective in stemming the tide of these addictive and lethal drugs. The cartels involved have grown more armed, well-organized, and violent. They have the financial means, sophistication, and paramilitary capabilities needed to operate with impunity. The challenge posed by the current iteration of these groups require a different approach. Source: Executive Office of the President Office of Management and Budget, a statement made in response to the introduction of S.J.Res.90

Proponents say

•    "There is no authorization for the use of military force that gives President Trump the authority to launch military strikes in Venezuela. And instead of working with Congress, the Trump Administration has left us in the dark about the ongoing operations and large-scale buildup of military assets in the region. It has not shared any information with the American people about what the fallout could be from this potential conflict. We shouldn’t be sending our sons and daughters into harm’s way with incomplete information, and without a robust debate in front of the American people. When the Senate votes on our bipartisan legislation to stop the Trump Administration from waging an unauthorized war against Venezuela, I urge my colleagues to join us in reclaiming our constitutional obligation and saying no to war without a vote from Congress." Source: Sen. Tim Kaine (Democrat, Virginia)


•     "The Coast Guard doesn’t blow up boats off Miami because 25 percent of the time their suspicion is wrong. Venezuela is no different. These are small outboards with no fentanyl and no path to Florida. To kill indiscriminately is akin to summary execution! Everyone should get a trial because sometimes the system gets it wrong. Even the worst of the worst in our country get due process. The bottom line is that execution without process is not justice, and blowing up foreign ships is a recipe for chaos" Source: Sen. Rand Paul (Republican, Kentucky)


•      "The Trump administration has made it clear that they may launch military action against land targets inside Venezuela’s borders, escalating from the boat strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific. In recent weeks we have seen increasingly concerning movement of military assets and reporting that undermines any claim that this is merely about stopping drug smugglers. Congress has not authorized military force against Venezuela. Tomorrow, on a bipartisan basis, we will force a vote to block an unauthorized war against Venezuela. We must assert our Constitutional authority over the use of force before the United States becomes entangled in yet another conflict, this time in South America." Source: Sen. Adam Schiff (Democrat, California) 

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