WASHINGTON
The U.S. Senate has voted to advance a resolution aimed at limiting former President Donald Trump’s authority to conduct military action involving Venezuela, marking a rare bipartisan move to reassert congressional war powers and placing new scrutiny on recent U.S. operations in the region.
The measure cleared a key procedural hurdle in a 52–47 vote, with all Democrats joined by five Republican senators. The resolution, introduced by Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, invokes the War Powers Act of 1973 and would require explicit congressional authorization for any sustained U.S. military engagement against Venezuela. While the vote does not immediately halt ongoing actions, it sets the stage for a broader confrontation between Congress and the executive branch over control of military force.
The Senate action follows heightened tensions after a recent U.S. operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. The Trump administration has described the mission as a limited, law-enforcement–style action, but lawmakers from both parties have raised concerns that it could evolve into a broader military conflict without Congress’s consent.
Supporters of the resolution argue that the Constitution grants Congress the sole authority to declare war and that presidents must not bypass lawmakers when hostilities risk expanding. Kaine said the vote was about restoring checks and balances, not judging the merits of any single operation. Several Republicans who backed the measure echoed that view, emphasizing the need for legislative oversight regardless of which party controls the White House.
The five Republicans who crossed party lines were Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Josh Hawley of Missouri, and Todd Young of Indiana. Their support proved decisive and underscored divisions within the GOP over foreign policy and executive power.
Trump reacted sharply, criticizing the Republican defectors and warning that the resolution could weaken national security. In public statements, he argued that limiting presidential flexibility would hinder the United States’ ability to respond quickly to threats and protect American interests abroad.
If ultimately passed by both chambers, the resolution would direct the president to end U.S. involvement in hostilities against Venezuela unless Congress authorizes further action. However, the path forward remains uncertain. The measure must still pass a final Senate vote and clear the Republican-controlled House. Even then, Trump is expected to veto it, meaning supporters would need a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override a high bar historically difficult to reach.
The debate has renewed long-standing arguments over the War Powers Act itself, which was enacted in the aftermath of the Vietnam War to curb unilateral military action by presidents. While presidents of both parties have often challenged its limits, Congress has rarely moved so decisively to enforce it. Analysts say the Senate vote, even if symbolic in the short term, sends a clear signal about lawmakers’ unease with unchecked military authority.
Internationally, the vote has been closely watched in Latin America, where Venezuela’s political crisis has already drawn in regional and global powers. Diplomats warn that uncertainty over U.S. intentions could further destabilize the region, while supporters of the resolution say clearer congressional involvement could actually reduce the risk of escalation.
For now, the resolution represents a significant moment in the ongoing struggle between Congress and the presidency over war powers one that could shape how future U.S. military actions are authorized, debated, and constrained.
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