US Senate Advances Measure to Curb Trump’s Military Power on Venezuela

The United States Senate has moved forward with a resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s authority to take further military action against Venezuela without congressional approval.

The decision follows a controversial US military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, sparking bipartisan concern over executive war powers. Reuters

Senators Vote to Advance Resolution

On January 8, 2026, the Senate voted 52–47 to advance a War Powers Resolution. The measure would require the president to obtain explicit congressional authorization before deploying US forces against Venezuela again. Reuters

All Democrats supported the resolution. Five Republican senators joined them: Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Todd Young, Josh Hawley, and Rand Paul. CBS News

Response to Maduro Operation

The resolution was introduced after Trump ordered a nighttime military raid in Caracas that resulted in Maduro’s capture and transport to the US to face federal charges. Critics have said the operation lacked legal authority and bypassed Congress. ABC7 San Francisco

Supporters of the measure argue that the U.S. Constitution gives Congress the sole power to authorize war, and that future military actions should be subject to oversight. WSLS

Limited Chance of Becoming Law

Despite advancing in the Senate, the resolution faces major hurdles. It must still pass the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. Even if it reaches President Trump’s desk, he is expected to veto the measure, as it restricts his military authority. Reuters

A presidential veto would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers to be overridden, a difficult task given current party divisions. Reuters

Growing Bipartisan Concern

The Senate action reflects growing unease among lawmakers, including some Republicans, about the expanding scope of executive military actions. Some have questioned recent decisions and the legal framing of operations that extend beyond limited strikes on suspected drug smuggling vessels. WSLS

Supporters of stronger congressional oversight say the War Powers Act is designed to prevent prolonged military engagements without democratic approval. WSLS

What’s Next

The resolution now moves to the House, where its fate remains uncertain. Lawmakers in both parties will continue debating the constitutional balance of war powers and the role of Congress in overseeing military engagements abroad.