In a rare bipartisan move this week, the U.S. Senate voted 52-47 to advance a resolution that would limit President Trump's ability to order further military operations in Venezuela. Five Republican senators joined Democrats in support of invoking the War Powers Act to rein in unchecked use of force. ✋⚖️
The resolution, introduced by Senator Tim Kaine in December, requires removal of U.S. forces from hostilities in or against Venezuela unless Congress explicitly authorizes them. A final Senate floor vote is expected next week.
This effort follows the U.S. raid on January 3, in which Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were forcibly detained and taken to New York, sparking global outcry over sovereignty and international law. Critics argue that bombing another nation's capital and removing its leader is, plainly, an act of war.
On his social platform Truth Social, President Trump slammed the vote as a threat to national security, calling the War Powers Act "unconstitutional" and accusing the supporting senators of "stupidity"—even suggesting they "should never be elected to office again."
Co-sponsor Senator Rand Paul called the measure "necessary," stressing that no constitutional text grants the presidency sweeping war powers. Senator Susan Collins added that invoking the War Powers Act is vital to prevent a prolonged U.S. occupation.
Meanwhile, some Republican lawmakers maintain the strikes and raid were within the president's authority, with Trump telling The New York Times he expects to "run Venezuela" and tap its oil reserves for years—comments that further deepen concerns over U.S. intentions abroad.
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U.S. Senate passes resolution to rein in military actions in Venezuela
cgtn.com
