The United States Senate has taken a rare step to restrict President Donald Trump’s authority to take further military action in Venezuela, voting 52–47 on Thursday to advance a war powers resolution that would require congressional approval before additional operations can proceed.
The procedural vote came less than a week after Trump authorised a U.S. military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro—a dramatic action that has raised deep concerns among lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
The resolution, led by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and co-sponsored by Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), aims to reaffirm Congress’s constitutional role in authorising war. Five Republican senators joined every Democrat in backing the measure, marking notable bipartisan concern over the Trump administration’s unilateral military actions.
Supporters of the resolution argue that further military engagement in Venezuela should not proceed without legislative oversight, especially amid statements by Trump suggesting the U.S. may seek to exert continued influence in the country. Critics of the measure say the president needs flexibility as commander-in-chief.
The vote on Thursday was a procedural step ahead of a full Senate debate and a final passage vote expected next week. While the resolution passed the Senate, it will still need approval from the Republican-controlled House of Representatives and could face a presidential veto, making its future uncertain.
Despite the challenges ahead, Thursday’s vote is being seen as a significant congressional rebuke of the Trump administration’s handling of foreign military engagement and a reassertion of legislative authority over decisions of war and peace.