The US Senate on Thursday moved forward with a resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s authority to carry out further military action against Venezuela, according to Associated Press’ report.
Under the resolution, any additional military action against Venezuela would require explicit approval from Congress. Lawmakers backing the move said it was intended to reassert congressional authority over decisions of war and peace, particularly after what they described as a major escalation in US involvement in South America.
Will the resolution become law?
The war powers resolution cleared its initial hurdle in a 52-47 vote, with all Democrats joined by five Republicans. The vote sets up a final decision in the coming days, although the measure is unlikely to become law as it would require approval by the Republican-controlled House and Trump’s signature.
Even so, the vote was seen as a meaningful expression of unease, including within Trump’s own party, following a dramatic US military operation that led to the capture of embattled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Which Republicans voted in favour?
Republican senators Rand Paul of Kentucky, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Josh Hawley of Missouri, Susan Collins of Maine and Todd Young of Indiana joined Democrats in supporting the measure.
Democrats have previously attempted to pass similar resolutions as Trump increased pressure on Venezuela, but those efforts failed. This time, lawmakers argued the situation had fundamentally changed.
They pointed to the surprise overnight raid in which US forces seized Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, as well as comments suggesting the administration is now seeking control over Venezuela’s oil resources and political future.
“This is the moment for Congress to step in,” AP reported Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, who forced the vote, as saying. “Military action of this scale cannot remain hidden from public scrutiny,” he added.