Senate set for vote next week on war powers measure targeting Trump’s Venezuela actions

WASHINGTON, DC: The Senate is preparing for a high-stakes vote next week on a bipartisan war powers resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s authority to continue military action against Venezuela without explicit congressional approval.

The resolution comes amid mounting concern from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle over the legality and constitutional basis of the administration’s recent military operations in the region.

As Congress reconvenes, senators are expected to debate and vote on a measure sponsored by Sen Tim Kaine (D-Va), Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Sen Rand Paul (R-Ky), and Sen Adam Schiff (D-Calif). 

Senate war powers resolution seeks to limit Trump’s Venezuela action

The resolution before the Senate would effectively require President Donald Trump to seek congressional authorization before directing further US military operations in Venezuela, a direct response to recent escalations.

Supporters argue the resolution is necessary to uphold the constitutional separation of powers, asserting that only Congress has the authority to declare war.

Sen Adam Schiff cautioned, “Acting without Congressional approval or the buy-in of the public, Trump risks plunging a hemisphere into chaos and has broken his promise to end wars instead of starting them.”

He accused Trump of breaking promises to voters for oil profits, adding that the move runs counter to Trump’s repeated pledges to wind down US military involvement abroad rather than initiate new conflicts.

Sen Tim Kaine said Congress must reclaim its constitutional authority over war, peace, diplomacy, and trade, arguing that as the nation enters its 250th year, lawmakers cannot allow American democracy to slide toward the kind of tyranny the founders sought to prevent.

Because the measure is considered privileged, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) cannot prevent it from receiving a vote on the Senate floor.

The measure would require only a simple majority to pass the Senate and would need the support of three additional Republicans to reach the 51 votes required for passage.

US military conducts airstrikes in Venezuela as part of operations against Nicolas Maduro’s forces (@zayro_here/X)

Moderate Republicans Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, along with Josh Hawley, who has frequently voiced concerns about US foreign military actions, are viewed as potential supporters of the measure.

Democrats fall short as House blocks curbs on Trump’s Venezuela action

Last month, the House narrowly rejected two key proposals aimed at curbing President Donald Trump’s military actions in Venezuela.

Rep Jim McGovern (D-Mass) saw his measure defeated by a vote of 213 to 211. The proposal would have required the president to withdraw US forces from Venezuela without congressional authorization.

At the same time, Rep Gregory Meeks (D-NY), the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, saw his resolution voted down 216 to 210. Meeks’s proposal sought to prevent US forces from carrying out strikes against Venezuelan vessels suspected of d**g smuggling.