Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer warned on Monday that he will immediately push a bipartisan War Powers Resolution to stop any deployment of US troops to Venezuela if President Donald Trump orders military action against the South American nation.

Speaking from the Senate floor, the New York Democrat said Congress must prevent a conflict that risks drawing American forces into hostilities without approval. “Should a strike occur, we will force a debate in Congress and force a vote to prevent US troops from being in hostilities against Venezuela,” Schumer said. “Our troops' safety and our national security are at stake.”

The warning follows Trump’s message posted Saturday on Truth Social, in which he proclaimed Venezuela’s airspace “CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY” and urged airlines and pilots to avoid the area. The remarks sparked concerns that the administration may be preparing further strikes following recent operations targeting vessels off Venezuela’s coast that were allegedly carrying drugs.

Escalation fears grow following fatal double-strike

The Trump administration has come under scrutiny over its handling of these maritime strikes after reports emerged that a second attack was carried out on survivors of an already-hit vessel in September.

Trump has argued that he has full authority to launch such operations to protect the United States from cartels. Lawmakers, however, say any broader military escalation, particularly one involving Venezuelan territory, must be authorized by Congress.

Schumer said the American public is “sick to their stomachs” at the idea of entering another war, accusing Trump of preparing “in secret” to expand the conflict. “All it takes is one lapse in judgment from either side, and suddenly our troops could find themselves in an armed conflict with Venezuela,” he warned.

Read more: US lawmakers demand probe into Hegseth Caribbean strikes' 'kill order'

Pete 'national embarrassment' Hegseth

Schumer also directed sharp criticism toward Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, calling the former television personality “so obviously insecure” and accusing him of boasting about US military power without taking the responsibilities of his office seriously.

“This man is a national embarrassment,” Schumer said, pointing to Hegseth’s role in authorizing the strike that killed shipwrecked survivors in the Caribbean.

As debate intensifies on Capitol Hill, lawmakers from both parties are now under pressure to clarify the limits of presidential war powers and ensure that any escalation toward Venezuela receives legislative oversight before American troops are put in harm’s way.

Read more: Pentagon probed over lethal strike ordered by Hegseth