Senate blocks War Powers Resolution limiting Trump’s ability to strike Venezuela; Murkowski sides with Democrats

The U.S. Senate on Wednesday narrowly voted down a Democrat effort to rein in President Donald Trump’s authority to launch military strikes inside Venezuela without congressional approval. The 49-51 vote effectively preserved the administration’s latitude to conduct future operations, despite mounting concern from both parties about mission creep in Latin America.

The resolution, introduced under the 1973 War Powers Act, was sponsored by Sens. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Rand Paul (R-Ky.). It sought to prohibit the use of any US military force on Venezuelan territory unless explicitly authorized by Congress.

All but one Democrat supported the measure, joined by two Republicans – Paul and Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.

Every other Republican, including moderates Susan Collins of Maine and Todd Young of Indiana, voted to block it.

Murkowski said her vote was about restoring congressional oversight over decisions that could escalate into a broader conflict.

“Tonight, I voted to proceed to debate on a resolution that would terminate the escalation of operations—covert, military, economic, or otherwise—against Venezuela without explicit approval from Congress,” Murkowski said in a statement after the vote.

She noted she had received classified briefings from administration officials but found the justifications lacking. “Even with this additional context, I do not believe their case has met the standard of clarity and rigor that Congress needs to fully evaluate the legality and scope of these operations,” she said.

Murkowski also warned that “recent reports of US intelligence and military operations in and around Venezuela… have the potential to disrupt international norms and escalate tensions in the region.”

Administration officials maintain that current operations target drug-smuggling boats operating under Venezuelan control and are lawful acts of self-defense against imminent threats.

The 1973 War Powers Resolution was enacted after the Vietnam War to prevent presidents from unilaterally committing American forces to extended conflicts. While rarely successful in practice, it remains Congress’s chief tool to challenge presidential war-making authority.

The vote marked the second failed attempt in two months to limit Trump’s military actions in the area. A previous resolution focused on prohibiting boat strikes in international waters also fell short, 48-51.

With the latest vote, President Trump retains full authority to order strikes inside Venezuela without congressional authorization. The resolution’s sponsors say they will continue bringing the issue back to the Senate floor until the policy changes.