The Senate on Tuesday voted to block a resolution that would have required President Donald Trump to seek congressional approval before taking further military action against Venezuela. The measure, introduced by Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., was defeated on a 51-50 vote, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote.
The resolution had sought to invoke the War Powers Act following recent U.S. military operations involving Venezuela. Supporters of the resolution said Congress must reassert its constitutional authority over decisions to use military force, arguing the administration acted without sufficient consultation with lawmakers.
Kaine said the vote underscored what he described as a growing imbalance of power between the executive and legislative branches.
Republicans opposing the measure said it was unnecessary, arguing the United States is not engaged in sustained hostilities that would trigger the War Powers Act. Senate GOP leaders said the administration has provided assurances that there are no ongoing plans for expanded military action or deployment of U.S. ground forces.
The vote came after two Republican senators — Josh Hawley of Missouri and Todd Young of Indiana — who had initially supported advancing the resolution reversed course after getting personal assurances from Secretary of State and former Florida Sen.
Marco Rubio that there would be no U.S. ground operations in the country. Their reversal allowed Republicans to maintain control of the chamber’s agenda.
Among Rubio’s assurances: Prior to “any major military operation in Venezuela,” the administration will “come to Congress” and seek congressional approval, Young said, per CNN.
Democrats said they plan to continue pressing for greater congressional oversight of military operations, warning that future administrations could further expand executive authority without legislative checks.
GOP Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky co-sponsored the measure with Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine. Republicans Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski also voted with Democrats.
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