Senate Advances Resolution to Limit Trump’s War Powers

The Senate has advanced a resolution that would limit President Donald Trump’s ability to conduct further military action against Venezuela, signaling bipartisan unease over his expanding ambitions in the Western Hemisphere, Stephen Groves and Joey Cappelletti reported for the Associated Press (AP).

The Trump administration is seeking greater control over Venezuela’s government and oil resources, but the resolution would require congressional authorization for any additional attacks. (Photo: The White House Facebook)

Democrats and five Republicans voted 52–47 to advance the war powers resolution, setting up a final vote next week.

The measure has little chance of becoming law, as it would need to pass the Republican-controlled House and be signed by Trump.

Still, the vote marked a notable gesture of dissent following the U.S. military’s surprise nighttime raid that resulted in the seizure of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

The Trump administration is seeking greater control over Venezuela’s government and oil resources, but the resolution would require congressional authorization for any additional attacks on the South American country.

“To me, this is all about going forward,” said Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, one of the five Republicans who supported the measure. “If the president should determine, ‘You know what? I need to put troops on the ground in Venezuela,’ I think that would require Congress to weigh in.”