On Thursday, the Senate voted to prevent President Trump from further military action in Venezuela, following his authorization of a strike that captured the country’s leader. The War Powers Resolution, requiring congressional approval for future military deployments, passed with a vote of 52-47, supported by several Republicans. The measure, introduced by Senators Kaine and Paul, now proceeds to the House. Trump criticized the five Republican senators who voted in favor of the measure, expressing his disapproval.
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Venezuela’s top lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez recently announced the impending release of a significant number of prisoners, including both Venezuelan citizens and foreigners. This news, delivered on Thursday, is a considerable development, especially for a country where many people know someone who has faced unjust imprisonment for expressing dissent against the government. The announcement has sparked a wave of hope among Venezuelans, who have long called for the release of political prisoners.
The release of prisoners is being presented as a “gesture of peace” by the Venezuelan government. This is significant because it’s been a long-standing demand of the opposition. The fact that the action is described as unilateral – not agreed upon with any other party – is also noteworthy.… Continue reading
Following the removal of Nicolás Maduro, the political landscape in Venezuela is shifting as the existing regime tightens its control. Despite initial hopes for a new government after Maduro’s capture, there has been no release of political prisoners, and the government is cracking down on any dissent. A classified intelligence assessment suggests that top members of the Maduro regime are best positioned to maintain stability. This situation has led to mixed reactions, with some Venezuelans feeling disillusioned, while others remain optimistic about the prospect of change.
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Following a Senate vote advancing a War Powers Resolution to limit presidential authority regarding Venezuela, former President Donald Trump criticized the Republican senators who voted with the Democrats, specifically naming Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul, Josh Hawley, and Todd Young. The resolution, which signals disapproval of potential military action, is unlikely to become law due to needing approval from the Republican-controlled House and Trump’s signature. The senators who voted in favor of the resolution justified their support by citing concerns about potential long-term military involvement and the need for congressional authorization for future deployments.
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The U.S. military’s operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was carried out without informing Congress, a practice Representative Seth Moulton and others criticize as a symptom of a weakened legislative branch. Moulton argues that congressional Republicans are unwilling to challenge the Trump administration’s overreach, despite what he sees as an assault on the separation of powers. While some Republicans defended the administration’s actions, citing similar instances from past presidencies, others acknowledged concerns about the administration’s disregard for congressional oversight. The article also notes Democrats’ criticism of Trump’s actions and some efforts within Congress to reassert its war-making powers, with limited success.
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Venezuela’s interior minister Diosdado Cabello said late on Wednesday that 100 people died in the U.S. attack, a grim assessment following the removal of President Nicolas Maduro from power. The news is shocking, especially considering the initial reports minimized the loss of life, painting a picture of a precise operation with minimal casualties. It’s unsettling to think that the death toll has now been revealed, potentially including a mix of Venezuelan soldiers, Cuban military and intelligence personnel, and possibly civilians. The army has released a list of 23 names of its dead, but that still leaves a considerable number unaccounted for, prompting questions about the identities of the other victims.… Continue reading
The US government will maintain indefinite control over the sales of Venezuelan oil, even as restrictions on the country’s crude are relaxed for global markets. Officials anticipate the initial sale of 30 to 50 million barrels, with revenue managed by the US to influence the Venezuelan government. Despite assertions from the White House, Venezuela’s state-run oil company claims negotiations regarding oil sales are still ongoing. While US officials intend to use the funds to stabilize Venezuela’s economy and benefit its people, some critics, like Senator Chris Murphy, have called the plan “insane” due to its control and micromanagement of Venezuela’s assets.
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Following the seizure of Nicolás Maduro by US forces, interim president Delcy Rodríguez has removed General Javier Marcano Tábata, the commander of the presidential honor guard. This action comes after the honor guard, which provides bodyguards for the head of state, was allegedly involved in the events that led to Maduro’s capture. Rodríguez, who replaced Maduro, has taken steps to replace high-ranking officials in Maduro’s inner circle, including replacing Marcano Tábata with Gustavo González López, former head of Venezuela’s national intelligence service. Analysts suggest the dismissal is linked to the guard’s failure to prevent Maduro’s capture, amidst reports of casualties among the guard and potential involvement of Cuban nationals.
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According to sources, Trump administration officials briefed lawmakers on Monday, detailing the capture of Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The officials stated that the couple was injured while attempting to flee US forces, sustaining head injuries after hitting a low door frame. Delta Force operators provided first aid following their apprehension. The briefing also included information on the firefight with Cuban forces, the injuries sustained by US personnel, and the administration’s expectation to work with Maduro’s replacement, Delcy Rodriguez, on matters of oil infrastructure.
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Trump’s plan to take Venezuelan oil angers China, pushes prices down, and it’s certainly stirred up a lot of controversy. The former President’s stated intention, to control the sale of Venezuelan oil and direct the funds for the benefit of both Venezuela and the United States, has sparked a geopolitical ripple effect.
One of the most immediate consequences appears to be China’s displeasure. China, a major consumer of oil and a significant player in the global market, has strong economic ties with Venezuela. Any move that disrupts or undermines those ties is bound to ruffle some feathers in Beijing. They probably feel as if their interests are being stepped upon, and that’s not something they take lightly.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood