WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Senate on Thursday advanced a bipartisan war powers resolution seeking to limit President Donald Trump’s military involvement in Venezuela, voting 52–47 to discharge the measure from committee and bring it to the full chamber for debate.
The procedural vote, forced by Sen. Tim Kaine, D‑Va., opens the door to a floor vote on the joint resolution, which would direct the removal of U.S. armed forces from any unauthorized hostilities in or against Venezuela. The move comes amid escalating U.S. military activity in the country, including a high‑profile Jan. 3 raid in Caracas that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
Kaine introduced the measure in early December alongside Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D‑N.Y., and Sen. Adam Schiff, D‑Calif. The lawmakers argue that Congress has not authorized ongoing or expanded U.S. operations in Venezuela and must reassert its constitutional authority over war powers.
All Democrats and five Republicans — Paul, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Josh Hawley of Missouri, and Todd Young of Indiana — supported advancing the resolution. GOP leaders opposed the effort, saying it would undermine Trump’s authority as commander in chief.
The vote follows the dramatic U.S. operation that extracted Maduro, who has long faced U.S. narcoterrorism and drug‑trafficking charges. Trump announced the capture from his Mar‑a‑Lago resort, calling it a “perfectly executed” law‑enforcement action supported by military forces. Maduro and Flores were transported to New York, where both pleaded not guilty in federal court.
Trump has since said the United States would temporarily “run” Venezuela, oversee its oil sector, and manage a political transition — statements that have drawn criticism from Democrats and some Republicans who say the administration is waging an undeclared war. The White House has defended its actions as limited operations aimed at apprehending indicted fugitives and combating drug trafficking.
Venezuelan officials, including interim leader Delcy Rodríguez, have condemned the raid as an illegal kidnapping and violation of sovereignty. Venezuelan authorities say more than 100 people were killed in the operation, including military personnel and civilians, and that seven U.S. service members were injured.
International reaction has been largely critical. France and several Latin American governments denounced the incursion as a breach of international law. The U.N. Security Council convened an emergency meeting at the request of Russia, China, and other nations, where the United States defended the raid as a targeted enforcement action rather than an act of aggression.
Kaine said on the Senate floor that the resolution is needed to curb executive overreach. “Congress needs to reassert its role in matters of war and peace,” he said. Paul echoed the concern, citing bipartisan unease over the scope of U.S. operations.
Even if the Senate passes the resolution, it faces long odds in the Republican‑controlled House and an almost certain veto from Trump. Supporters say the effort still sends a clear message about congressional authority as U.S. naval forces remain in the region and the administration signals the possibility of further action.
The Senate vote marks the third attempt by Kaine and his allies to restrict military involvement in Venezuela. Earlier efforts stalled in late 2025. A floor debate is expected soon as tensions in the region continue to rise.