Picture courtesy of CBS News

The Senate has acted decisively, voting 52 to 47 to advance a resolution to limit US president Trump's military actions against Venezuela. This comes after a surprising US operation captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, stirring significant controversy. Five Republicans joined Democrats to support the war powers resolution aiming to curtail further unilateral actions by Trump.

Tensions have been high since the US captured Maduro in a dramatic nighttime raid. The Senate's move follows a series of unapproved US military raids and seizures of Venezuelan oil tankers. These actions have raised alarms on Capitol Hill, as some lawmakers have accused Trump of bypassing Congress and escalating military engagement in Venezuela without authorisation.

Senators Todd Young, Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, Rand Paul, and Josh Hawley voted alongside Democrats, arguing that Trump's intentions of "running" Venezuela and possibly deploying US troops there necessitate invoking the War Powers Act. Trump asserted US control over Venezuela's oil sales post-capture, a claim that has deepened divisions in Washington.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other Trump administration officials briefed lawmakers, leaving many Democrats dissatisfied. Senator Tim Kaine, among others, has accused the Trump administration of engaging in undeclared warfare. Kaine’s resolution demands the removal of US forces from Venezuelan hostilities that lack congressional approval.

The Senate is expected to further debate the resolution next week. Meanwhile, Trump's legal team claims the actions are part of a "law enforcement" strategy against drug cartels, although legal clarity on this remains elusive. Some Republicans defended the administration's actions, citing drug smuggling and cartel violence as justifications for military operations, reported CBS News.

Key Takeaways:

• The Senate moved to limit Trump's military actions in Venezuela.

• A bipartisan group supported the measure due to concerns about Congress's lack of authority.

• We anticipate further debates and votes as we scrutinise Trump's legal reasoning.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from CBS News 2026-01-09

 

 

I don't think Trump cares about the law, and he doesn't seem to care one iota about his authority. It is nice to see the Senate standing up to him but I'm not sure really makes a difference when the president believes himself to be an autocrat, and there is really nobody in a position with enough power to stop him.

A few Republicans with the guts to show some common sense. At last.

About time! I'm sure they're furious he didn't seek Congressional approval first, even in camera.

I very much doubt if trump will pay any attention to the Senate,

Perhaps they should move ahead of events this time to limit Trump's actions and intentions towards Greenland. Show some real spine.