US President Donald Trump has suffered a major political setback regarding Venezuela. An important proposal has been passed in the Senate, the upper house of the US Parliament, which limits the powers of the President regarding military action abroad.
52 votes were cast in favor of this proposal, while 47 senators voted in support of Trump. The special thing was that 5 senators of Trump’s own Republican Party also voted against him. It became clear that Trump is not getting full support in his own party on the Venezuela issue.
Military action can no longer be done without the approval of the Parliament
This resolution was brought specifically to prevent possible US military action in Venezuela. The resolution clearly states that the US cannot wage war or military action against any country without the permission of the Congress (Parliament). Before any major military action by the President, Parliament must be approved. This simply means that it will not be easy for Trump to send troops to Venezuela or any other country. The powers of the President have been curbed.
The law has not been made yet, the next process is pending
However, this proposal has not yet fully become law. For this to apply:
- It is also necessary to pass the House of Representatives (Lower House).
- After the approval of both Houses, the signature of the President is required.
- Trump also has the right to veto it.
Despite this, the vote in the Senate has certainly increased the political difficulties for Trump.
What will be the impact of today’s voting?
This decision is considered to have several major political and strategic implications:
- Political pressure on Trump will increase.
- The US military can refrain from any action without the permission of the Parliament.
- Russia and China will get the message that America is divided from within.
- Europe can get some relief from Trump’s threats regarding Greenland.
- The principle of India’s strategic autonomy (strategic independence) can be further strengthened at the international level.
America continues to tighten its grip on Venezuela
Despite this decision of the Senate, America has not reduced its strictness on Venezuela. Even after Maduro’s arrest, US troops are stationed in the Caribbean region. The Trump administration says that the crackdown on ships and boats involved in drug trafficking will continue. Recently, the US also seized a Russian oil tanker going to Venezuela.
Trump’s Warning to Delsey Rodriguez
Trump has issued a stern warning to Venezuela’s interim leader and Maduro’s former ally Delsey Rodriguez. He said that if she does not accept the terms of the US, then she may have to pay a bigger price than Maduro. Apart from this, Trump has also threatened military action against Colombia and Greenland.
Look at oil and power
Trump has made it clear that the US wants to maintain long-term control over the government of Venezuela. He wants to open up the oil industry there to American companies. However, it is not yet clear what role the US military will play in this plan and how it will be implemented, especially when the Senate has questioned the powers of the president.