US Senate curbs Trump's unauthorized use of force in Venezuela

WASHINGTON, Jan 8 (KUNA) -- The US Senate adopted a bill barring President Donald J. Trump from taking further military steps against Venezuela without prior authorization from the Congress.
The bill, passed by 52 votes against 47 on Thursday, aims to strengthen the legislative authority over the Trump's administration when it comes to using military force against foreign countries.
The legislation, led by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, was backed by Rand Paul - a Republican from Kentucky who broke with Trump alongside other Republican senators, and Chuck Schumer - the leader of the Senate Democratic Caucus. Angered by the vote, President Trump said, "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." "Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul, Josh Hawley, and Todd Young should never be elected to office again," he wrote on his Truth Social platform. "This Vote greatly hampers American Self Defense and National Security, impeding the President's Authority as Commander in Chief. "In any event, and despite their 'stupidity,' the War Powers Act is Unconstitutional, totally violating Article II of the Constitution, as all Presidents, and their Departments of Justice, have determined before me. "Nevertheless, a more important Senate Vote will be taking place next week on this very subject," he added. (end) amm.gb