Democrats panic in US congress over Venezuela | Maduro| Oil

Senior US senators clashed over President Donald Trump’s Venezuela policy and the passage of the annual defence bill, as Democrats warned of dangerous escalation in the Caribbean and a lack of congressional oversight. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer accused the administration of announcing a total blockade on Venezuelan oil tankers without a clear plan or transparency, raising fears of an unauthorised military conflict. Senator Alex Padilla echoed concerns over the use of US military force without congressional approval. Republicans, led by Senator Roger Wicker, defended the National Defence Authorisation Act as vital for confronting global threats, boosting troop pay and strengthening military readiness. The Senate passed the bill 77–20, sending it to President Trump.