Senate Republicans Block Resolution Limiting Trump’s Authority to Strike Venezuela

U.S. Senate Republicans on Thursday narrowly blocked a bipartisan resolution that would have required President Donald Trump to seek congressional approval before launching any military attack on Venezuela. The measure, defeated 51–49 largely along party lines, came amid rising concern over the administration’s ongoing strikes on boats off Venezuelan waters, which have reportedly killed more than 65 people since September. Only two Republican senators, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, sided with Democrats in supporting the measure.

The blocked resolution was introduced by Democrats Tim Kaine and Adam Schiff along with Rand Paul, aiming to prevent unilateral presidential military action without congressional authorization. Despite denials from the White House that land attacks are being planned, the U.S. has continued to build up a significant military presence in the Caribbean, including fighter jets, warships, and thousands of troops. Lawmakers from both parties have criticized the administration for withholding details about the strikes, including their cost, targets, and legal justification.

Senior officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth briefed congressional leaders this week, asserting that Washington does not intend to go to war with Venezuela. However, critics such as Senator Mark Warner warned that the administration’s legal rationale for recent operations does not extend to strikes on Venezuelan territory. Democratic leaders, including Chuck Schumer, have demanded a full Senate briefing, while Kaine and Schiff vowed to pursue additional measures to reassert Congress’s constitutional authority over war powers.

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