US lawmakers demand vote on war powers following Trump's promise of imminent attack on Venezuela

WASHINGTON, Dec 3 A bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced a resolution on Wednesday aimed at preventing military operations against Venezuela without explicit congressional consent, after President Donald Trump indicated that a ground campaign could begin shortly.

Since early September, U.S. forces have conducted at least 21 strikes on suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, resulting in a minimum of 83 fatalities as Trump ramps up military pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduros administration.

Trump has been considering various options, including an incursion into Venezuelan territory, under a plan framed by his administration as a measure to curb the flow of illegal drugs responsible for American deaths. Maduro has consistently denied any involvement in the drug trade.

Over the past two days, Trump has repeatedly told reporters at the White House that a land-based attack would commence very soon. In response, Democratic Senators Tim Kaine of Virginia, Chuck Schumer of New York, Adam Schiff of California, and Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky filed a war powers resolution.

The senators, who have previously sought to limit Trumps actions against Venezuela, had indicated on Tuesday that they would submit a resolution to compel a congressional vote if an attack were initiated. Trumps recent statements accelerated their decision to move forward.

"We are being pulled into a conflict with Venezuela without legal justification or congressional approval, and the Senate must be ready to halt an unlawful war that would needlessly endanger thousands of American service members," Schiff said in a statement.

Under Senate rules, a war powers resolution is considered privileged and must be brought to a vote within days.

Author: Sophia Brooks