In the midst of growing tensions between the United States and Venezuela, the political will within the Congress has been put to test. As the saying goes, “where there’s a will, there’s a way”, the fate of the US-Venezuela relations lies in the hands of the members of Congress, especially those on the GOP side of the aisle.
For months now, the Trump administration has been pushing for increased pressure on the Venezuelan government, even going as far as recognizing opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the country’s legitimate president. This move has been met with both support and criticism, with some arguing that it is an attempt to interfere in Venezuela’s internal affairs.
But one thing is for sure, Congress has the power to either support or oppose these actions by the Trump administration. However, it seems that they have been failing to use this power effectively, resulting in missed opportunities to prevent a potential war with Venezuela.
The first chance Congress had to stop Trump’s war with Venezuela was during the debate over the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in 2019. The NDAA is an annual bill that sets the budget for the Department of Defense and other national security programs. In this year’s version, there was a provision that would have prohibited the use of military force in Venezuela without congressional approval. However, this provision was ultimately removed before the bill was passed.
This was a major missed opportunity for Congress to assert its authority and prevent the Trump administration from taking any military action in Venezuela without their approval. It is concerning that even when faced with such an important decision, Congress failed to come together and take a stand against potential war.
Another chance for Congress to act was when Trump declared a national emergency to justify the use of military force in Venezuela. This move was met with a lot of criticism, with many calling it an abuse of power. However, Congress had the power to pass a resolution to terminate the national emergency, but unfortunately, they failed to do so.
With each missed opportunity, it becomes clearer that the political will within Congress is lacking. The partisan divide in Congress has become a major obstacle in taking any meaningful action regarding the US-Venezuela relations. Instead of putting their political affiliations aside and working together for the greater good, members of Congress have been more focused on their party’s interests.
But it’s not too late for Congress to step up and prevent a potential war with Venezuela. They have the power to pass legislation that would prohibit the use of military force in the country, and it’s their responsibility to do so. It’s time for them to put their political will to the test and make a stand for what is right.
The consequences of a war with Venezuela would be devastating, not only for the two countries involved but also for the entire region. It is crucial for Congress to take a stand and prevent such a scenario from happening. They have the power to do so, but it all comes down to their political will.
It is understandable that as politicians, members of Congress have their own agendas and priorities. But when it comes to matters of national security and potential war, it is their duty to put aside their differences and work towards a common goal. They have been elected to serve the people and it’s time for them to fulfill their responsibilities.
In conclusion, the fate of the US-Venezuela relations lies in the political will of Congress. As with most things, it all comes down to their willingness to take action and stand up against potential war. It’s time for them to put aside their political affiliations and work for the greater good. The people are counting on them, and it’s time for Congress to fulfill their duty and prevent any further escalation of tensions with Venezuela. Let’s hope they make the right decision before it’s too late.
