Senator Questions U.S. Action in Venezuela, Cites Constitution
Washington, D.C. – Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky is raising concerns about the recent U.S. military actions in Venezuela. He believes the situation calls for a serious discussion in Congress about the limits of presidential power when it comes to military intervention.
Senator Paul, known for his belief in a more careful approach to foreign policy, stated that while he is pleased that Nicolas Maduro is no longer in power, the way it happened needs to be carefully considered by lawmakers.
“Taking out a country’s leader with military force sure seems like war to me,” Senator Paul said. “We need to ask if any president should have the sole power to decide when and where America invades another country.”
His comments come as the Senate prepares to debate the role of Congress in decisions about war, based on the War Powers Act. This law was created to make sure the President works with Congress before using the military.
“Our Founding Fathers were smart,” Senator Paul explained. “They knew having one person decide on war was too much power. They put that decision in the hands of Congress, where it belongs.”
U.S. forces took Nicolas Maduro and his wife into custody after military actions against the Venezuelan government. They are now in New York, facing charges related to narco-terrorism.
Senator Paul challenges the idea that this was simply a law enforcement operation. “Calling it law enforcement doesn’t change what it is, we can’t just bomb a country to arrest someone.”
He added that a key reason for his past support of President Trump was the President’s stated opposition to “regime change” policies.
The Senate is expected to discuss this issue soon. The debate will focus on who has the authority to declare war and when it is right for America to use military force.
