Maduro wins Venezuela decree powers in US confrontation

Venezuelan lawmakers voted Sunday to give socialist President Nicolas Maduro special powers to go it alone in defense and public safety, amid an escalating confrontation with the United States. The decree powers were approved by a show of hands in the National Assembly — which is packed with Maduro allies — after two hours of one-sided debate. “This Assembly declares this law approved,” declared speaker Diosdado Cabello. “We are going to head over there in front of Miraflores (presidential) Palace to deliver the law to the people and comrade Nicolas Maduro,” Cabello added.