The United States Senate has passed a War Powers resolution seeking to limit President Donald Trump’s authority to undertake military action in Venezuela without congressional approval.
The measure was approved on Wednesday by a narrow 52–48 vote, reflecting growing concern among lawmakers over recent US actions involving Venezuela and the broader scope of presidential war-making powers, according to Al Jazeera.
The resolution will now be forwarded to the House of Representatives for consideration. If approved by the House, it would still face the possibility of a presidential veto, which would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers of Congress to override.
Senate action on the measure follows heightened tensions sparked by an operation carried out by the Trump administration that reportedly resulted in the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and the deaths of at least 100 people. The incident has drawn international condemnation and intensified domestic debate within the United States.
Democratic leaders said the resolution was designed to reaffirm Congress’s constitutional authority over decisions to deploy military force.
“We Democrats are fighting to prevent military adventurism in Venezuela and other countries and endless wars,” Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said. “That is not what Americans want.”
Schumer added that Democrats in both chambers were focused on domestic priorities, including reducing costs and addressing affordability challenges facing Americans.
He criticised the administration’s foreign policy approach, accusing Republicans led by President Trump of prioritising overseas military engagements at the expense of American lives and resources.
Although the resolution faces significant obstacles in the Republican-controlled House, analysts say its passage in the Senate underscores renewed scrutiny of presidential authority to engage in military action, particularly in relation to Venezuela.
