WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Senate is preparing to vote on a resolution that would restrict President Donald Trump’s ability to carry out further military actions against Venezuela. The measure would require congressional approval before any additional strikes and represents a significant test of Trump’s expanding ambitions in the Western Hemisphere.
The resolution follows a surprise nighttime U.S. military operation that resulted in the seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. At the same time, the Trump administration has signaled its intent to exert control over Venezuela’s oil resources and political leadership.
Democrats have previously failed to pass similar war powers resolutions as Trump escalated pressure on Venezuela. Lawmakers now argue that Maduro’s capture, combined with the president’s stated interest in other potential territorial pursuits such as Greenland, gives the Republican-controlled Congress a renewed opportunity to reassert its constitutional authority.
“It’s time for Congress to assert its control over military action of this kind and bring it out of secrecy and into the open,” said Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, who forced the vote.
Republican leaders said they were not notified in advance of the early-morning raid but largely expressed satisfaction after receiving classified briefings from senior administration officials. The administration has relied on shifting legal justifications for its months-long campaign in Central and South America, ranging from counterterrorism authorities targeting alleged drug vessels to portraying Maduro’s seizure as a law enforcement action aimed at prosecuting him in the United States.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the president has demonstrated a policy of “peace through strength,” adding that Venezuela received that message “loudly and clearly.”
Ahead of the vote, several Republicans, including Sens. Susan Collins and Thom Tillis, said they were carefully weighing their positions. Tillis noted the U.S. history of intervening and leaving, stressing that deploying troops in Venezuela should not occur without congressional authorization.
A similar resolution narrowly failed in November, with only two Republicans — Sens. Rand Paul and Lisa Murkowski — voting in favor. Paul acknowledged Maduro’s authoritarian rule but emphasized that the central issue is who has the power to take the nation to war.
Democrats have also debated inserting limits into defense spending legislation, though the idea met resistance within the party. Democratic leaders argue Trump’s foreign policy pursuits distract from domestic concerns. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer questioned why a president elected on an “America First” platform is focused on overseas ventures.
The debate has renewed attention on the rarely enforced War Powers Resolution. While the Constitution grants Congress the authority to declare war, lawmakers have not formally done so since World War II. The post–Vietnam War law requires presidents to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying forces and to end hostilities within 60 to 90 days without authorization, limits that presidents of both parties have routinely stretched.
Democrats argue those limits are now being pushed further than ever, while some Republicans contend congressional approval is unnecessary. Sen. Lindsey Graham said he would be comfortable with the president using military force without authorization, including in a potential move involving Greenland.
As the administration weighs next steps in Venezuela, the White House has also said the “military is always an option” regarding Greenland. Although Republicans cite the island’s strategic value, most oppose using force and instead favor a potential purchase.
Democrats are preparing preemptive responses. Sen. Ruben Gallego said he is working on a resolution to block any invasion of Greenland, while Kaine indicated similar measures could follow concerning Greenland, Cuba, Mexico, Colombia, and Nigeria.
Because Greenland belongs to NATO ally Denmark, Republican reaction has been markedly different than in the Venezuela case. Paul said there was no support among Republicans for military action, and Tillis sharply criticized comments suggesting a takeover, calling them “absurd” and a distraction from the administration’s work.