In a significant bipartisan move, the United States Senate has taken a step to limit President Donald Trump's authority to continue military operations in Venezuela. The resolution, advanced on Thursday, January 8, 2026, demands the withdrawal of U.S. forces from unauthorized hostilities in the South American nation.
Bipartisan Vote Challenges Presidential Power
The Senate vote was 52-47, with five Republican senators breaking ranks to join all Democrats in supporting the measure. This sets the stage for a final floor vote expected next week. The resolution specifically requires "the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress."
This legislative action comes just days after a major escalation by the Trump administration. On January 3, 2026, U.S. forces launched a large-scale military strike in Venezuela. The operation forcibly detained the country's president, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife, later transferring them to custody in New York. This act triggered widespread international condemnation and concern.
Political Backlash and Constitutional Debate
President Trump reacted swiftly on his social media platform, Truth Social. He argued the vote "greatly hampers American Self Defense and National Security" and impedes the President's authority as Commander in Chief. Trump further claimed the War Powers Act is unconstitutional, a stance he says past presidents have shared. He singled out the five supportive Republican senators, stating they "should never be elected to office again."
The resolution was introduced by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia. He cited reports from September 2, 2025, where U.S. forces killed two survivors of an initial boat strike in the Caribbean. Kaine warned on the Senate floor that the administration's actions signal a potential occupation lasting years, not days or weeks. "Make no mistake, bombing another nation’s capital and removing their leader is an act of war, plain and simple," said Republican co-sponsor Senator Rand Paul, who was joined by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Adam Schiff.
International Fallout and Republican Defense
The international community has expressed deep shock at the U.S. raid. Multiple nations have issued statements condemning what they see as a blatant use of force against a sovereign state and a likely violation of international law. Meanwhile, President Trump told The New York Times on January 7 that the U.S. expects to "run Venezuela" and extract oil from its reserves for "much longer" than initially anticipated.
Many Republican lawmakers defended the military action, arguing the strikes and the raid on Maduro fell within the president's constitutional authority, despite the White House not seeking prior congressional approval. The coming Senate vote will be a crucial test of congressional war powers and set a precedent for future executive actions in conflict zones.
