On Thursday, the U.S. Senate voted 52-47 to advance a resolution that would restrict President Trump’s ability to launch further military operations in Venezuela without Congress’s approval. Five Republicans joined all Democrats in backing the measure, which draws on the War Powers Act to demand the removal of U.S. forces from any hostilities in Venezuela not authorized by lawmakers. 📜⚖️
The resolution, introduced last month by Senator Tim Kaine and co-sponsored by Senator Rand Paul, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Adam Schiff, now heads to a full Senate vote expected next week. If passed, it would mark a rare check on the president’s power as commander in chief. 🏛️
This comes just days after a dramatic Jan. 3 raid, during which U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife in the oil-rich nation, then transported them to New York. The operation, and earlier boat strikes in September 2025 that reportedly killed two survivors, sparked global criticism and renewed debate over U.S. involvement abroad. 🌎
President Trump slammed the resolution on his platform, calling the War Powers Act “unconstitutional” and accusing its supporters of “stupidity.” He warned that resisters “should never be elected to office again.” In an interview with The New York Times, he also suggested the U.S. could remain in Venezuela “much longer” to run the country and tap its oil reserves. ⛽️🗣️
On the Senate floor, Senator Kaine argued the U.S. faces “years of occupation and involvement” without congressional oversight. Senator Paul warned that bombing a capital and removing its leader “is an act of war, plain and simple.” And Senator Susan Collins said invoking the War Powers Act is “necessary” to prevent open-ended engagement on the ground. 🗳️
As the debate heats up, all eyes are on next week’s vote. Will Congress assert its authority and limit the president, or will it stand aside as U.S. military actions in Venezuela continue? Stay tuned. 👀
Reference(s):
U.S. Senate passes resolution to rein in military actions in Venezuela
cgtn.com
