Chris Coons Says U.S. Could Be Headed Toward War with Venezuela Without Congress
A fresh wave of U.S.–Venezuela tensions is rippling through Capitol Hill as senators warn President Donald Trump’s recent military moves could edge the country toward war.
Lawmakers erupted Wednesday after U.S. forces seized a Venezuelan oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast, a move the administration says targets sanctioned oil networks linked to terrorism and narcotics support. The action has triggered alarm among members of both parties about escalation without congressional debate.
Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) told NewsNation he was “gravely concerned” the administration was “sleepwalking us into a war with Venezuela,” highlighting unease over the lack of detailed briefings to key defense appropriators. Coons’ comments reflect broader unease over the rapid pace of U.S. military activity in the region.
Tension spilled across party lines when Republican Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) said the seizure “sounds a lot like the beginning of a war,” even as he criticized Venezuela’s leadership. Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) pledged to challenge any unauthorized troop deployments and push a War Powers Resolution to rein in executive military action.
Complicating matters, Senate Republicans recently blocked consideration of legislation that would prohibit federal funds for military action against Venezuela without congressional approval. That move frustrated critics who say Congress must assert its constitutional role in decisions of war and peace.
This clash comes as the administration maintains its actions are focused on interdicting illegal activity and sanctioned operations, not a broader military conflict. But lawmakers say the risk of unintended escalation could carry major strategic and human costs.
As debate intensifies, the Senate is expected to take up war powers and defense funding measures next week to clarify Congress’ role in any future U.S. military operations with Venezuela.
What happens next will hinge on whether Trump’s team provides detailed briefings to Congress and whether bipartisan war powers measures gain traction in the Senate.