Politics chat: Trump moves on Venezuela, Afghans in the U.S.; Obamacare deadline approaches

Iran has closed its airspace to most flights amid escalating tensions with the U.S., coinciding with President Trump's claims that the killing of protesters in Iran has ceased, despite reports of impending executions. This development raises concerns about the stability in the region and the safety of air travel.

The Senate has backed a resolution that allows President Donald Trump to continue military actions in Venezuela without prior congressional notification, following a tie-breaking vote by Senator J.D. Vance. This resolution defeats efforts to limit the president's war powers regarding Venezuela, where tensions have escalated significantly.

The Senate voted to block a resolution aimed at restricting President Donald Trump's ability to use military force in Venezuela, following a shift in support from two Republican senators. This decision allows Trump to continue military operations without congressional oversight, reflecting a significant political maneuvering within the Senate.

Two pivotal Senate Republicans, Josh Hawley and Todd Young, have withdrawn their support for a war-powers resolution that aimed to limit President Trump's military authority in Venezuela, following assurances from officials that there are no plans for U.S. ground troops in the country. This decision comes amid Trump's criticism of five GOP senators who previously sided with Democrats on the issue.

Senate Republicans defeated a war powers resolution aimed at restricting President Trump's military actions in Venezuela, following a reversal by Senators Josh Hawley and Todd Young, who had previously supported the measure. This decision allows Trump to continue military operations without congressional oversight.

Senate Republicans utilized a rarely invoked procedure to defeat a bipartisan resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump's military authority over Venezuela, despite earlier indications of support for such measures. This decision reflects a significant shift in the political landscape regarding U.S. military involvement in Venezuela.

The U.S. has begun evacuating some personnel from a military base in Qatar as President Trump contemplates potential military action against Iran. This precautionary measure reflects heightened tensions in the region, particularly in light of recent developments involving Iran's airspace closure and ongoing geopolitical instability.

President Trump has reiterated threats to cut federal funding to California and Los Angeles over their sanctuary city immigration policies, with potential implications starting February 1. This announcement comes amid ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and California's leadership regarding immigration and funding issues.