TLDR:
- Five Republican senators defied President Trump to advance a measure blocking further military action in Venezuela without congressional approval
- Trump lashed out on social media, saying the GOP rebels “should never be elected to office again”
- The vote comes after Saturday’s operation captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro, with Trump vowing the U.S. will “run” Venezuela for years
- Democrats warn Trump’s plan for prolonged control could lead to “endless war” and are preparing similar resolutions for other countries
The Senate narrowly advanced a war powers resolution Thursday to block President Trump from further military action in Venezuela, triggering a furious response from the commander in chief.
Five Republican senators broke ranks to join all Democrats in the 52-47 procedural vote, just days after Saturday’s joint military operation captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
“Republicans should be ashamed of the Senators that just voted with Democrats in attempting to take away our Powers to fight and defend the United States of America,” Mr. Trump posted, calling out Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, Josh Hawley of Missouri and Todd Young of Indiana by name.
The president said they “should never be elected to office again.” Only Ms. Collins faces reelection this year.
The measure targets Mr. Trump’s vow that the U.S. will “run” Venezuela until a proper transition occurs — a process he said could take years.
“If you’re going to be ordered to risk your life or your health, it should be on the basis of a political consensus that this is a mission that’s worth it,” said Sen. Tim Kaine, Virginia Democrat and lead sponsor.
Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer warned Saturday’s operation is just the start of Mr. Trump’s “military adventurism.”
Read more:
• Trump calls for Senate Republicans to end shutdown by scrapping filibuster
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