Fetterman votes for war powers resolution as McCormick opposes
Pennsylvania’s senators were not in agreement during a vote on Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine’s resolution that would “direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress.”
Sen. John Fetterman joined fellow Democrats and five other Republicans in supporting the resolution that passed by a 52-47 count. Sen. Dave McCormick joined the remainder of the GOP caucus in voting against the resolution.
In a social media post, Fetterman explained his position, saying that while he believed that the arrest of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro was positive, he voted aye on the resolution to continue the debate in the Senate.
Previously, Fetterman mentioned that he was unsure as to his vote, stating he wanted to make sure that the resolution would not preclude an operation like the one to capture Maduro in the future.
“Instead of responding to Americans’ concerns about the affordability crisis, President Trump started a war with Venezuela that is profoundly disrespectful to U.S. troops, deeply unpopular, suspiciously secretive and likely corrupt. How is that ‘America First?‘“ Kaine said. “Trump’s war is also clearly illegal because this military action was ordered without the congressional authorization the Constitution requires.”
Along with Democrats and Sen. Rand Paul, the Republicans who voted for the measure were Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Todd Young of Indiana and Josh Hawley of Missouri.
Paul said some members of Congress want to “shift the burden of initiating war to the president” rather than take responsibility.
“But make no mistake, bombing another nation’s capital and removing their leader is an act of war, plain and simple,” the Kentucky Republican said. “No provision in the Constitution provides such power to the presidency.”
Ahead of the vote, Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) urged senators to reject the war powers measure, calling the U.S. military capture of Maduro a law enforcement operation.
“It does not make America stronger. It makes America weaker and less safe,” Barrasso said in a written statement. “It would weaken the President’s legitimate, constitutional authority. This body, the United States Senate, is being asked whether the President of the United States has the authority to arrest indicted criminals. Of course he does.”
Steve Ulrich is managing editor of Politics PA where this article originally appeared.
