Senator Jeff Merkley expressed disappointment after Senate Republicans blocked his bill, the Prohibiting Unauthorized Military Action in Venezuela Act of 2025. This bill aimed to prevent the use of federal funds for military action in Venezuela without explicit Congressional approval. Merkley argued that Congress holds the constitutional power to declare war, criticizing the potential for unilateral action by former President Trump. The bill, co-sponsored by several other senators, also included exceptions for self-defense, counternarcotics operations, and humanitarian aid.
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Venezuela decries ‘act of piracy’ after US forces seize oil tanker off country’s coast. This is a situation that has a lot of people talking, and for good reason. It seems the US has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, and Venezuela is not happy, calling it an act of piracy. It’s the kind of event that immediately sparks questions, concerns, and plenty of strong opinions, and from what’s being said, it seems a lot of people are seeing this in a very critical light.
The general sentiment seems to be that this action is a blatant example of American overreach.… Continue reading
On Wednesday, the U.S. seized the oil tanker “The Skipper” off the coast of Venezuela, a 20-year-old vessel sanctioned in 2022 for its alleged role in illicit oil smuggling networks supporting foreign terrorist organizations. The operation, led by the Coast Guard with Navy support, involved special operations forces, helicopters, and a boarding team. The tanker was reportedly used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran, according to officials. The Venezuelan government condemned the seizure as an act of international piracy, while the U.S. stated the operation was conducted safely and securely.
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The recent US seizure of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, the largest ever seized according to Trump, signals a potentially more aggressive phase in US operations within the region. This action, amid the presence of over 15,000 US military personnel, raises questions about the justification and future actions, potentially including a naval blockade. The move has also coincided with a spike in oil futures, which could impact the current administration. Ultimately, the biggest unanswered question is what other measures the US president intends to take in Venezuela.
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The United States, as confirmed by former President Trump, has seized a large oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, marking a significant escalation in the administration’s pressure on the Maduro government. The vessel, sanctioned for transporting oil from Venezuela and Iran, was seized by a collaborative effort involving the FBI, Homeland Security, the US Coast Guard, and the Department of Defense. This action, targeting a major source of funding for the Maduro regime, is part of a broader strategy, which may include the US keeping the oil. The seizure raises questions about international law and follows previous US military actions in the region, including airstrikes, further fueling tensions and concerns about potential confrontation.
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During a meeting in the Roosevelt Room, President Trump announced the seizure of a large oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. He provided no information regarding the tanker’s ownership or destination. Following the announcement, U.S. and global crude oil prices saw increases. This action is part of the president’s continued pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, amid escalating tensions and a military buildup in the Caribbean.
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US Seizes Oil Tanker Off the Coast of Venezuela, and the story begins with a sudden, forceful act: the United States seizing an oil tanker. Now, that alone is a pretty big deal. But when it happens off the coast of Venezuela, a country already entangled in complex international relations and accusations, it immediately raises a lot of questions. One of the first things that comes to mind is the sheer audacity of it. The US, a nation that generally operates under the guise of international law, seems to be employing tactics more akin to those of, well, pirates. It’s a bold move, and it’s understandably causing a stir.… Continue reading
Two US fighter jets were reported to have circled the Gulf of Venezuela on Tuesday, which was monitored by Venezuelan and South American media using flight tracking websites. Accompanying the fighter jets were electronic warfare jets, further escalating tensions. The US Department of Defense stated that these were routine, lawful operations, while Venezuela claims the Gulf as part of its national territory. These flights occurred amid rising tensions due to the Trump administration’s military campaign against drug traffickers, and President Trump’s statements that he will soon extend this campaign into Venezuelan territory.
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In a demonstration of force, two U.S. F-18 fighter jets entered Venezuelan airspace near Maracaibo for approximately 40 minutes, escalating existing tensions. The flyover occurred near key regions for Venezuela’s energy sector and Lake Maracaibo, an area critical to the country’s oil reserves. This action followed the U.S.’s increased military presence in the Caribbean, prompting Venezuela to declare a state of emergency and activate its armed forces. The incident comes amid accusations of aggression from both sides and follows the recent interception of an unidentified aircraft by the Venezuelan Air Force.
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Federal authorities accused Ferreira of overstaying her visa and having a prior arrest for battery, claims her lawyer disputed. While Ferreira’s lawyer maintained her legal status and lack of criminal record, a police report from her teenage years detailed an assault incident. Court documents revealed a contentious relationship with her ex-husband, including a child custody dispute where he reported her to police as an “illegal alien” after she left with their son and his car.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood