US Senate Advances Resolution to Curb Trump's Military Authority in Venezuela

On Thursday, January 8, 2026, the United States Senate took a significant political action by voting to advance a War Powers Resolution. This move was specifically designed to restrict President Donald Trump's ability to authorize further military actions in Venezuela without explicit consent from Congress.

The vote concluded with a tally of 52 votes in favor to 47 against. This outcome marked the first instance during the Trump presidency where there was a direct, bipartisan rebuke concerning his assertion of unlimited authority over military engagements. This development followed closely on the heels of the successful operation to apprehend and extradite Nicolas Maduro from Venezuela, which took place between January 3th, 2026.

The resolution, championed by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine and receiving crucial backing from Republican Senator Rand Paul, mandates that the administration must secure Congressional approval before initiating any subsequent military operations or sustaining ongoing combat activities within or against Venezuela. This aims to reassert legislative oversight over foreign military deployments.

Achieving the necessary votes for the measure’s advancement required the support of five Republican senators: Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Todd Young of Indiana, and Josh Hawley of Missouri. These lawmakers joined all Democrats in ensuring the resolution moved forward. Senator Collins clarified her position, stating that while she supported the operation that led to Maduro’s capture, she did not endorse further military involvement without a Congressional green light. Meanwhile, Senator Paul emphasized that the vote fundamentally addressed the issue of a "real invasion of a foreign country."

President Trump wasted no time in responding to the Senate's decision, taking to social media to voice his strong disapproval. He labeled the resolution as unconstitutional, arguing that it "severely hampers America's self-defense and national security by undermining the President's authority as Commander-in-Chief." Furthermore, he issued a pointed warning, suggesting that any Republican senators who supported the resolution should "never be elected to office again."

The legislative battle now shifts to the House of Representatives, where passage is not a foregone conclusion. Should the resolution successfully navigate both chambers, it is widely anticipated that President Trump will issue a veto. This legislative standoff is unfolding against a backdrop of President Trump's public statements indicating that the US presence and control in Venezuela could persist for a considerably longer duration, potentially spanning several years, with the stated goal of utilizing the nation's oil resources.