Senate Advances Bipartisan Measure to Curb President's Military Authority in Venezuela

Washington, D.C. — January 8, 2026

In a rare bipartisan rebuke to President Donald Trump, the U.S. Senate voted 52-47 on Thursday to advance a War Powers Resolution aimed at restricting further unilateral military actions against Venezuela. The procedural vote clears the way for full debate and a potential final passage next week on the measure, which would require congressional approval before the president could deploy U.S. forces in hostilities within or against the South American nation.

All 47 Democrats supported advancing the resolution, joined by five Republicans: Sens. Rand Paul (Ky.), Todd Young (Ind.), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Susan Collins (Maine), and Josh Hawley (Mo.). The vote marks a shift from previous failed attempts to limit the administration's actions, succeeding after two earlier resolutions were blocked amid escalating U.S. military pressure on Venezuela.

The resolution, led by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and co-sponsored by figures including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), comes days after a dramatic U.S. special forces raid in Caracas captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Maduro, now in New York facing federal "narco-terrorism" charges, was seized in an operation that surprised not only Venezuelan officials but also many in Congress, with President Trump later justifying the lack of prior notification by citing potential leaks.

Trump administration officials have described the raid as a precise "law enforcement" operation rather than an act of war, while asserting U.S. oversight of Venezuela's affairs, including its vast oil resources. The president has not ruled out additional strikes, referring to potential "second wave" actions and stating that the U.S. would "run" the country temporarily.

Defecting Republicans emphasized constitutional concerns over prolonged engagement. Sen. Susan Collins praised the raid's execution but stated she opposed "committing additional U.S. forces or entering into any long-term military involvement" without congressional authorization. Sen. Todd Young warned that a drawn-out campaign would contradict Trump's pledges to avoid foreign entanglements, while Sen. Josh Hawley stressed the need for approval before deploying troops for hostilities.

Republican leadership opposed the measure, with some arguing it undermines presidential authority and that no ongoing hostilities justify intervention. Even if the Senate passes the resolution, it faces significant hurdles: approval in the Republican-controlled House and survival of an expected presidential veto.

The vote reflects growing unease in Congress over the administration's unilateral approach, following months of U.S. strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels and broader foreign policy ambitions. A CBS News poll this week showed Americans divided, with 48% approving the Maduro operation and 52% disapproving.

Debate on the resolution is expected to continue next week, setting up a key test of congressional assertiveness over war powers in Trump's second term.

17GEN4.com