The U.S. Senate approved in principle a war powers resolution aimed at preventing Donald Trump from taking military measures in Venezuela without congressional approval.
On Thursday (8 Jan 2026 GMT+7), the U.S. Senate approved in principle a bipartisan War Powers Resolution drafted by Republicans and Democrats to block Donald Trump from further military actions in Venezuela after he ordered an attack and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro last Saturday without notifying Congress in advance.
The measure passed with 52 votes in favor and 47 against, with all Democratic senators voting yes, joined by five Republicans: Rand Paul, Todd Young, Lisa Murkowski, Josh Hawley, and Susan Collins.
The resolution, introduced by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, requires Trump to seek approval before attacking or using military force against Venezuela. If the Senate finally endorses the resolution, it must also pass the House of Representatives and be signed by Trump to become effective.
It is highly likely that Trump will not sign the law, but this vote represents a strong rebuke of the president. Trump responded by saying Republican senators supporting the resolution should not be reelected.
“This vote severely obstructs America’s self-defense and national security by stripping the president’s authority as commander-in-chief,” Trump posted on Truth Social, adding that the War Powers Resolution, a Vietnam-era law meant to stop presidents from waging war without congressional approval, is "unconstitutional."
Following the Saturday raid, when U.S. special forces attacked Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, and took Maduro to New York to face charges related to "terrorism and drug trafficking," Trump said he did not inform the legislature beforehand because "Congress tends to leak information."
The incident sparked discontent among some Democrats and Republicans, who argued the raid was illegal and risked dragging the U.S. into a prolonged conflict.
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Source:The Guardian