Schumer, Jeffries call for 'immediate' briefing after Venezuela operation

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, both of Brooklyn, called for "an immediate" Trump administration briefing to Congress' so-called "gang of eight"  regarding Saturday's military operation in Venezuela, which led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.

"President Trump’s announced plan to run Venezuela is unacceptable," the two top Democrats said in a statement.

The gang of eight refers to Schumer, Jeffries, and the top two Republicans in the House and Senate, John Thune of South Dakota and Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana, along with the top Republicans and Democrats on the House and Senate intelligence committees.

Schumer and Jeffries also are calling for briefings for all members of the House and Senate "early next week.”

Schumer said during a conference call with reporters that Senate Democrats will force a vote next week on a bill to block further military action against Venezuela.

The War Powers Act bill is sponsored by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.)