Senate Moves to Restrict Trump's Military Actions in Venezuela: What Powers Are Now Limited?

The U.S. Senate passed a resolution on Thursday that curtails President Donald Trump's authority to initiate new military operations against Venezuela without Congressional approval.

Supported by Democrats and five Republican senators, this measure is a reaction to the recent surprise operation where U.S. forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. While the resolution stands little chance of becoming law, it sends a strong signal from Congress: there's growing concern about the President's unilateral military actions in Latin America.

Aftermath of the Raid on Maduro

The resolution, spearheaded by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, passed with 52 votes in favor and 47 against. It mandates that any future military action in Venezuela must receive Congressional consent.

All Democrats backed it, along with five Republicans: Rand Paul, Josh Hawley, Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, and Todd Young.

Kaine argued that Congress can no longer remain sidelined in operations like the recent capture of Maduro and his wife in Caracas. "It's time for Congress to exercise its oversight of military actions like this, and bring them out of secrecy into the light," he asserted.

The lawmaker warned that the assault, which resulted in injuries to U.S. soldiers, represents an escalation that demands public debate and constitutional oversight.

Details of the Resolution

Based on the War Powers Act of 1973, the resolution requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of commencing military action, and to obtain legislative authorization if the intervention extends beyond 60 to 90 days.

The resolution aims to prevent Trump from repeating actions like the capture of Maduro without consulting Congress, restricting troop deployments, bombings, or other military actions in Venezuelan territory without explicit Congressional consent.

Republican Senator Josh Hawley, one of those who supported the resolution, stated, "If the president decided, 'You know what? I need to deploy troops to Venezuela,' I think that would require Congressional intervention."

Trump's Actions Without Congressional Notice

Following the operation, dubbed "Absolute Resolution," Trump defended his choice not to notify Congressional leaders beforehand, citing security concerns. "Congress tends to leak information. It wouldn't have been good for them to leak information, I think the outcome would have been very different," he remarked.

Several legislators, including Republicans, acknowledged they were informed only after the operation concluded. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described it as a "conditional mission" that required complete discretion.

"It's simply not the kind of operation where you can call people and say, 'Hey, maybe we'll do this sometime in the next 15 days,'" Rubio explained.

Republican Party Tensions

While most Republicans supported the president, internal divisions are beginning to show. Senator Rand Paul, a staunch advocate of legislative authority in war matters, cautioned, "The question isn't whether Maduro is an autocrat. The question is who has the power to take the country to war."

Senator Thom Tillis, who voted against the resolution, expressed reservations about a potential prolonged occupation: "We have a history of going in, liberating, and getting out. I'm interested in the getting out part."

Meanwhile, Republican Majority Leader John Thune backed the president's actions and sent a direct message to Caracas: "I think the president has already shown a very strong commitment to peace through strength, especially in this hemisphere. Venezuela received that message loud and clear."

Expanding Military Frontiers: Beyond Venezuela

Apart from Venezuela, senators also discussed Trump's growing interest in Greenland, Cuba, Mexico, Colombia, and Nigeria, with alarming statements about potential military force to exert geopolitical control.

The White House hasn't ruled out military options in Greenland, prompting widespread rejection, even among Republicans. Senator Paul mentioned that during a Republican caucus lunch, Trump's plans for Greenland were discussed and received no support.

Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego from Arizona is drafting a resolution to prevent unilateral actions in that territory: "We need to stop him before he invades another country on a whim. No more endless wars."

Republican Thom Tillis went further, harshly criticizing the president's team: "These absurd ideas about Greenland distract from the good work the president is doing. The amateurs who thought it was a good idea should lose their jobs."

Presidential Power Under Scrutiny

This debate has refocused attention on the institutional imbalance that has developed since World War II: presidents act as commanders-in-chief, but Congress rarely exercises its constitutional power to declare war.

The War Powers Resolution, enacted after the Vietnam War despite Richard Nixon's veto, has never been rigorously enforced. Democrats and some Republicans warn that Trump is pushing its boundaries further than ever before.

Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the president's foreign strategy: "The American people are wondering what the heck is going on in Venezuela and why this president, who campaigned on 'America First', now spends all his time on escapades abroad."

Congressman Jim McGovern was even more direct: "Without Congressional authorization, and with most Americans opposed to intervention, Trump launched an unjustified and illegal attack on Venezuela."

What's Next?

Although the resolution lacks the force of law—it requires presidential support or a veto-proof majority—its approval marks a turning point. For the first time, a Senate majority seeks to curb Trump's military actions in Latin America.

The House of Representatives, where Republicans hold a slimmer majority, will soon debate a complementary version. Meanwhile, Trump continues to bolster his regional control rhetoric, announcing that Venezuela will "exclusively purchase products made in the United States".