In a rare bipartisan rebuke, the U.S. Senate voted 52–47 to advance a war powers resolution aimed at restricting President Donald Trump’s authority to use military force in Venezuela without congressional approval. The vote marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over presidential war powers, constitutional checks and balances, and America’s role in Latin America.
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.), would prohibit the president from launching or continuing military action “within or against Venezuela” unless Congress authorizes it.
While the measure is unlikely to become law due to the need for House approval and Trump’s signature, it sends a powerful political message: Congress is pushing back.
Why the Senate Acted Now
The vote follows Trump’s recent decision to order a U.S. military operation to capture and extradite Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, along with public statements suggesting that the United States could temporarily “run” the country. Trump has also hinted at a possible second wave of military action and even raised the prospect of U.S. troops on the ground.
These comments alarmed lawmakers from both parties, who argue that such actions amount to an act of war.
“Bombing another nation’s capital and removing their leader is an act of war, plain and simple,” said Sen. Rand Paul. “No provision in the Constitution provides such power to the presidency.”
Kaine: “Trump’s War Is Clearly Illegal”
Sen. Tim Kaine, a long-time advocate for restoring Congress’s war-making authority, did not mince words.
“Instead of responding to Americans’ concerns about the affordability crisis, President Trump started a war with Venezuela,” Kaine said. “It is profoundly disrespectful to U.S. troops, deeply unpopular, suspiciously secretive, and likely corrupt. Trump’s war is also clearly illegal because it was ordered without the congressional authorization the Constitution requires.”
Kaine emphasized that Article I of the U.S. Constitution gives Congress—not the president—the power to declare war. His resolution is designed to reassert that authority and prevent future unilateral military actions.
Republicans Break Ranks
Noticeably, five Republican senators joined all 47 Democrats in voting to advance the measure:
Susan Collins (Maine)
Lisa Murkowski (Alaska)
Todd Young (Indiana)
Josh Hawley (Missouri)
Rand Paul (Kentucky)
Their support signals growing concern within the GOP over the expansion of executive military power.
Sen. Susan Collins explained her vote clearly:
“Invoking the War Powers Act at this moment is necessary, given the President’s comments about ‘boots on the ground’ and a sustained engagement ‘running’ Venezuela.”
Sen. Murkowski added that Congress must “affirm our role under Article 1.”
Trump Fires Back
President Trump responded swiftly—and angrily—on Truth Social, accusing the Republican supporters of undermining national security.
“Republicans should be ashamed of the Senators that just voted with Democrats in attempting to take away our Powers to fight and defend the United States of America,” Trump wrote. “This Vote greatly hampers American Self Defense and National Security.”
Trump has defended the Venezuela operation as a law enforcement action, not an act of war, arguing that the president has constitutional authority to arrest indicted foreign leaders.
White House: “This Makes America Weaker”
Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) echoed the administration’s position, urging colleagues to reject the resolution.
“It does not make America stronger. It makes America weaker and less safe,” Barrasso said. “The President of the United States has the authority to arrest indicted criminals. Of course he does.”
The White House insists the Maduro operation was limited in scope and aimed at upholding international law.
What Happens Next?
The procedural vote clears the way for a full Senate vote next week, where the resolution is expected to pass with a simple majority. However, the House of Representatives and the president would still need to approve it—making final passage unlikely.
Even so, the political impact is significant.
By invoking the War Powers Resolution, the Senate is signaling that future military actions—whether in Venezuela, Iran, Colombia, Greenland, or Cuba—will face closer scrutiny.
Why This Matters for Americans
This debate isn’t just about Venezuela. It’s about:
Presidential authority vs. congressional oversight
The constitutional limits of military power
U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts
Protecting American troops from unauthorized wars
As Kaine put it:
“No war without a debate and a vote in Congress.”
For voters concerned about endless military engagements, rising defense costs, and constitutional accountability, this moment represents a rare instance of bipartisan resistance to executive overreach.
Final Takeaway
The Senate’s move to restrict Trump’s military authority in Venezuela may not become law, but it reshapes the political landscape. It reopens the national conversation about who gets to decide when America goes to war—and reminds the White House that Congress still has a voice.
Whether this leads to lasting reform or remains a symbolic gesture, one thing is clear:
The battle over war powers is far from over.