Archive · 3 Dec 2025
US Lawmakers Threaten War Powers Vote
The United States and Venezuela are having a disagreement.
The US has been attacking boats they think are carrying drugs, which has killed many people.
Venezuela wants to investigate these attacks.
The US president, Donald Trump, had a meeting with his team to talk about what to do next.
Venezuela's president, Nicolas Maduro, says his country wants peace but with freedom and sovereignty.
The US says their actions are to protect against threats.
Meanwhile, people in Venezuela are protesting against the US.
Some US lawmakers are worried about the president's actions and want Congress to have a say.
They plan to force a vote to stop the US from using military force in Venezuela if the president attacks the country.
US lawmakers plan to force a War Powers Resolution vote if Trump attacks Venezuela.
Lawmakers cite concerns about unauthorized military action and potential violations of international law.
US troops have carried out 21 strikes on alleged drug boats, killing 83 people.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the strikes, which the administration says are lawful.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro rejects a 'slave's peace' and demands sovereignty and freedom.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Admiral Frank Bradley, US Lawmakers (Tim Kaine, Chuck Schumer, Adam Schiff, Rand Paul, Mike Rounds)
- What
- US-Venezuela tensions over drug boat attacks and potential congressional intervention
- When
- Meeting held on Monday evening, strikes occurred since September, lawmakers' statement on Tuesday
- Where
- White House, Venezuela, Caribbean, Pacific Ocean, US Congress
- Why
- To address US military actions against suspected drug boats and increasing pressure on Venezuela, as well as concerns about the administration's authority to conduct strikes
US Administration
US Lawmakers
Authority for Strikes
US Administration
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the strikes, which were lawful and necessary to eliminate threats.
US Lawmakers
The strikes are seen as unauthorized and potentially violating international law, with concerns about killing survivors in the water.
Congressional Approval
US Administration
The administration believes it has the authority to conduct the strikes without congressional approval.
US Lawmakers
Lawmakers argue that only Congress has the power to declare war and that the administration is overstepping its authority.
- Countries Involved
- United States, Venezuela
- US Strikes
- 21 strikes since September, 83 people killed
- Meeting Details
- Trump and top advisers met at the White House to discuss Venezuela
- Key US Officials
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Admiral Frank Bradley
- Venezuelan Response
- President Nicolas Maduro rejects 'slave's peace', calls for sovereignty and freedom
- Military Deployment
- US has deployed the world's largest aircraft carrier in the Caribbean
- Venezuelan Protests
- Hundreds marched in Caracas denouncing US threats
- Trump-Maduro Communication
- Trump and Maduro have spoken recently, but details were not disclosed
- Lawmakers' Concerns
- Concerns about the administration conducting a months-long campaign without congressional approval
- War Powers Resolution
- Lawmakers plan to force a vote to block the use of US forces in hostilities against or within Venezuela
Sources
Venezuelan Parliament Suspends Session On US Attacks Investigation
Trump convenes emergency White House meeting as US ramps up pressure on Venezuela
Trump holds special meetings on Venezuela as his govt faces scrutiny over military action
Pete Hegseth pushes the ball in Admiral Frank Bradley's court; says stands by 'combat decisions he has made'
For Trump, Hegseth’s take-no-prisoners approach is a growing liability
White House defends US attack on boat from Venezuela as lawful
US lawmakers to force vote on war powers if Trump attacks Venezuela
Hegseth cites ‘fog of war’ in defending follow-on strike in scrutinized attack on alleged drug boat
US to attack Venezuela ‘very soon’? Trump promises land strikes as fears of military conflict grow
Violation of international law? Hegseth cites ‘fog of war’ as Trump says he ‘didn’t know about second strike’ against Venezuelan boat
US Lawmakers To Force Vote On War Powers If Trump Attacks Venezuela
US to Strike "Very Soon" Inside Venezuela in Action Against Drug Traffickers: Trump
US Will Strike "Very Soon" Inside Venezuela, Says Trump
