Senate Moves to BLOCK Trump From Further Military Action in Venezuela
Washington — January 8, 2026 — The U.S. Senate on Thursday advanced a bipartisan war powers resolution seeking to block President Donald Trump from conducting further military action against Venezuela without explicit congressional authorization.
The vote, 52–47, was procedural and clears the way for full Senate debate on S.J. Res. 98, a joint resolution invoking the 1973 War Powers Act. If ultimately passed, the measure would require the removal of U.S. forces from hostilities involving Venezuela within 30 days unless Congress approves continued action.
All Senate Democrats supported the resolution, joined by five Republicans: Susan Collins of Maine, Josh Hawley of Missouri, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Rand Paul of Kentucky, and Todd Young of Indiana. One Republican senator did not vote.
The action follows a U.S. military raid on January 3 that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, which the Trump administration characterized as part of a broader effort to combat narcotrafficking and restore regional stability. Critics have argued the operation amounted to an unauthorized act of war.
Supporters of the resolution say it is necessary to reassert Congress’s constitutional authority over military force.
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“The Constitution is clear,” Senate sponsors and supporters argued during debate, saying the president cannot unilaterally initiate prolonged hostilities without congressional approval.
Opponents warned the measure could undermine U.S. leverage and constrain the president’s ability to respond quickly to international threats.
President Trump sharply criticized the resolution, calling it unconstitutional and publicly condemning the Republican senators who voted to advance it. The White House has indicated Trump would veto the measure if it reaches his desk.
The resolution still faces significant hurdles. It must pass a final Senate vote, clear the Republican-controlled House, where a similar measure narrowly failed in December, and overcome a potential presidential veto.
While its final outcome remains uncertain, Thursday’s vote marks a rare bipartisan challenge to presidential war-making authority and reflects growing unease in Congress over unchecked executive power following the Venezuela operation.
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