In a rare bipartisan challenge to President Donald Trump, the Senate voted Thursday to limit the administration's ability to conduct further military operations in Venezuela without congressional approval.
The 52-47 procedural vote advanced a war powers resolution led by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.). While the measure faces a likely veto and a difficult path in the Republican-controlled House, the support of five Republicans signaled growing unease on Capitol Hill following the weekend raid that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
"This is about the future," said Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), one of the Republicans who broke ranks. "If the president determines we need boots on the ground in Venezuela, Congress must weigh in."
Joining Hawley were Republican Senators Rand Paul (Ky.), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Susan Collins (Maine), and Todd Young (Ind.).
Concerns Over "Expanding Ambitions" The vote reflects a shift in momentum after previous failed attempts to rein in the administration's "Operation Absolute Resolve." Lawmakers cited several factors for the change:
Lack of Notification: Republican leaders confirmed they were not notified in advance of the Saturday raid to seize Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Long-term Occupation: Trump recently suggested the U.S. might "run" Venezuela and manage its oil resources for years, sparking fears of a prolonged entanglement.
New Targets: Rhetoric from the White House suggesting that military action in Greenland is "always an option" has alarmed even some of the president's typical allies.
Administration Defends Authority President Trump responded sharply on social media, stating the dissenting Republicans "should never be elected to office again" and argued the vote "greatly hampers American Self Defense."
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and other Trump allies defended the raid as a necessary strike against narco-terrorism. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed lawmakers this week, maintaining that the president acted within his constitutional authority as commander in chief.
The Greenland Question The debate over war powers is already expanding. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and Sen. Kaine indicated they are preparing additional resolutions to block any potential invasion of Greenland.
While some Republicans favor purchasing the island from Denmark, most have balked at the use of force against a NATO ally. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) met Thursday with Danish and Greenlandic representatives, later affirming that "Greenland is not for sale" and that its territorial integrity is the prerogative of Denmark.
A final Senate vote on the Venezuela resolution is expected next week.
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