Washington: The US Senate adopted a bill barring President Donald J. Trump from taking further military steps against Venezuela without prior authorization from Congress. The bill, passed by 52 votes against 47, aims to strengthen legislative authority over Trump's administration when it comes to using military force against foreign countries. According to Kuwait News Agency, the legislation, led by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, was supported by Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky, who broke ranks with Trump along with other Republican senators, and Chuck Schumer, the leader of the Senate Democratic Caucus. Angered by the vote, President Trump remarked, "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." He further criticized Senators Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul, Josh Hawley, and Todd Young, suggesting they "should never be elected to office again." President Trump expressed stro ng disapproval on his Truth Social platform, stating, "This Vote greatly hampers American Self Defense and National Security, impeding the President's Authority as Commander in Chief." He argued that the War Powers Act is unconstitutional and violates Article II of the Constitution, as determined by previous presidents and their Departments of Justice. Despite his discontent, Trump mentioned an upcoming "more important Senate Vote" on the same issue next week.
