Welch Warns Venezuela Actions Bypass Congress and Blur War Powers

Senator Peter Welch is warning that the administration’s actions toward Venezuela are dangerously blurring the line between law enforcement operations and acts of war. He says the president is signaling hostilities — including declaring airspace closed and escalating military activity — while completely bypassing Congress, which holds the constitutional authority to approve any request for war powers.

Welch argues that if the administration believes the United States is effectively at war, it must explain its reasoning to Congress and to the American people, not act unilaterally. He says this pattern mirrors past executive overreach that led the nation into prolonged conflicts without public debate or authorization.

He also raises concerns about the broader mission in Venezuela, questioning what the president is trying to accomplish and warning that unilateral decisions could push the United States toward another “forever war.”