The US Senate voted to limit President Donald Trump’s authority to conduct further military action against Venezuela, signaling disapproval of his administration’s expanding role in the Western Hemisphere.
The resolution advanced on a 52-47 vote, with all Democratic senators and five Republicans in support. However, it faces virtually no chance of becoming law as it would require President Trump’s signature to pass the House.
The vote follows a surprise US military raid over the weekend that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The Trump administration is seeking to gain control of Venezuela’s oil resources and government.
Donald Trump has warned other places could face similar military action if they do not satisfy American demands. (AP: Evan Vucci)
The vote also comes as President Trump and his administration have discussed potentially acquiring the Danish territory of Greenland, either through purchase or military force.
Democrats have previously attempted to limit President Trump’s authority regarding Venezuela, but those efforts were unsuccessful until now. Senators argued that with the capture of Maduro and consideration of action in Greenland, Congress has an opportunity to assert its authority.
Republican senators Rand Paul of Kentucky, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Josh Hawley of Missouri, Susan Collins of Maine and Todd Young of Indiana voted in favor of the resolution. Following the vote, President Trump wrote on social media that those senators “should never be elected to office again.”
“It’s time for Congress to assert its control over military action of this kind, and it’s time to get this out of secrecy and put it in the light,” said Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, who initiated the vote.
Republican leaders stated they received no advance notice of the raid to seize Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, but largely expressed satisfaction with classified briefings provided by the Trump administration.
Similar resolution for Greenland planned
The administration has justified its actions in Central and South America through various legal arguments, including destroying alleged drug boats under the guise of the global fight against terrorism and seizing Maduro under the premise of a law enforcement operation to bring him to trial in the United States.
Republican leaders have largely supported President Trump. “I think the president has demonstrated at least already a very strong commitment to peace through strength, especially in this hemisphere,” said John Thune, the Republican leader in the Senate. “I think Venezuela got that message loudly and clearly.”
After Venezuela, Donald Trump has once again raised the prospect of acquiring Greenland. (Reuters: Sarah Meyssonnier)
However, Democrats and some Republicans are considering a second resolution to block President Trump from taking similar action in Greenland. Democratic Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego said he is working on a resolution “to block Trump from invading Greenland.” “We must stop him before he invades another country on a whim,” Senator Gallego wrote on X. “No more forever wars.” Senator Kaine also stated that a resolution regarding Greenland, as well as Cuba, Mexico, Colombia and Nigeria, would soon be filed.
Trump tests limits of commander-in-chief’s authority
The US Constitution grants Congress the power to declare war, while the president serves as commander in chief. However, Congress has not formally declared war since World War II, giving presidents broad authority to act unilaterally.
Congress attempted to limit this authority after the Vietnam War with the War Powers Resolution, passed over the veto of Republican President Richard Nixon. The law requires presidents to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying forces and to end military action within 60 to 90 days without congressional authorization—limits that presidents of both parties have often stretched.
Democrats argue these limits are being pushed further than ever. Some Republicans contend that congressional approval is unnecessary. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a close ally of President Trump, said he would be comfortable with President Trump taking over other countries without congressional approval, including Greenland. “The commander in chief is the commander in chief. They can use military force,” Senator Graham said.
AP
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