New Delhi: After the US military action in Venezuela and the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro, the stir in America’s domestic politics has also intensified. Amidst this entire incident, the US Senate has taken a big step towards limiting the war-related powers of President Donald Trump. The Senate has advanced a proposal that would require the President to seek congressional approval before taking any new military action against Venezuela.
How many votes were cast in favor of the proposal?
In the voting held on Thursday, 52 votes were cast in favor of taking the proposal forward and 47 against it. The special thing was that five senators of the ruling Republican Party, along with the Democrats, supported this proposal. At the same time, one Republican MP did not participate in the voting. At present, the Republican Party has 53 seats in the Senate, and the Democrats have 47 seats; hence, this cross-voting is considered politically important.
What is the purpose of the proposal?
The purpose of this proposal is to ban unilateral military action by the President. Under this, Congress’s permission will be required for any further attack against Venezuela. Senators say that the role of Parliament should be mandatory in decisions like war.
Why were such proposals stopped earlier?
Last year, two similar proposals had failed in the Senate. Then the Trump administration put pressure on them and stopped them from moving forward. In November, a proposal could not be passed by just two votes.
What was the logic of the administration then?
The Trump administration had said there were no plans for regime change or major military attacks in Venezuela. The government claimed that the apprehensions were baseless. But after Maduro’s arrest, many lawmakers felt that Congress was not given complete information.
Why did resentment increase in the Republican camp?
Republican Senator Rand Paul, the co-sponsor of this proposal, openly disagreed. He says that even within the party there is uneasiness regarding the military powers of the president. Democrat Senator Tim Kaine is also among the major supporters of this proposal.
Which Republican lawmakers sided with the Democrats?
- Rand Paul (Kentucky)
- Susan Collins (Maine)
- Josh Hawley (Missouri)
- Lisa Murkowski (Alaska)
- Todd Young (Indiana)
How did Trump react to this?
President Trump reacted sharply to Truth Social. He attacked five senators from his own party. Trump alleged that these MPs, along with the Democrats, have weakened the powers of the President.
What did Trump say?
Trump wrote that such steps could endanger America’s national security. He said that the Republican Party should be ashamed of such senators. He believes that the President should have free rein in decisions related to war.
What could be the further impact?
According to political analysts, this proposal will become a reason for heated debate in the future. If this law is made, there will be a major curb on the military powers of the president. Also, Congress’s grip on America’s policy regarding Venezuela may strengthen.
At present it is clear that the Venezuela crisis has opened a new debate not only on foreign policy but also on the balance of power within America and the powers of the President.
