Senate Takes Historic Vote on Presidential War Powers After Maduro’s Ouster
The U.S. Senate is locked in a fierce constitutional fight over presidential war powers after a dramatic U.S. military operation removed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power and brought him to New York for prosecution. The operation — executed without formal congressional authorization — has reignited a long‑standing battle over who has the authority to authorize American military force. Reuters
What started as international headlines of explosions in Caracas and Maduro’s capture has quickly transformed into a major domestic debate in Washington, where lawmakers — and the Constitution — are at the center of an intense legal and political confrontation. CBS News
War Powers at the Heart of the Clash
At issue is whether the administration crossed a constitutional line by launching a major military action without securing prior approval from Congress. The U.S. Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war, yet presidents from both parties have often acted first and explained later, citing their authority as commander‑in‑chief. Critics say recent actions went beyond mere law enforcement and into sustained military engagement. Congress.gov
To rein in what they view as unchecked executive authority, a bipartisan group of senators — including Tim Kaine, Rand Paul, Adam Schiff, and Tammy Duckworth — has pushed a War Powers Resolution that would bar additional military actions against Venezuela without explicit congressional authorization. Supporters argue this isn’t just about one intervention but about safeguarding constitutional checks and balances. duckworth.senate.gov
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