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Congress·In Progress·S.J.Res. 98

Senate Panel Reviews Kaine-Paul Resolution to Pull U.S. Forces From Unauthorized Venezuela Operations

A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress.

2 months ago·View on Congress.gov
Part of: Congress Moves to Reassert War Powers and End Venezuela Military Action

Legislative Progress

Senate
House
President
Law

Key Points

  • A bipartisan group of senators, including Mr. Kaine and Mr. Paul, introduced this resolution to stop the U.S. military from being involved in fighting within or against Venezuela. The resolution argues that these military actions were never officially approved by Congress.
  • The proposal reminds the government that the U.S. Constitution gives Congress, not the President, the sole power to declare war. Since Congress has not passed a law specifically allowing military force in Venezuela, the sponsors say the current operations must end.
  • If this passes, the President would be required to remove U.S. troops from any hostile situations in the area. However, the military would still be allowed to act if it is necessary to defend the United States from an actual or immediate attack.
  • This action matters because it seeks to reassert Congressional control over where and when the country goes to war. It could lead to a significant change in how the U.S. handles its relationship with Venezuela and how it uses its military forces in South America.
National SecurityForeign Policy

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

How this policy affects specific groups of people

Mixed Impacts(1)
Federal Employee
Neutral

Defense and State Department employees would need to adjust operations and strategy for Venezuela, potentially reducing some military roles while increasing diplomatic ones.

Positive Impacts(2)
Military Active
Helps

Active military personnel currently deployed in or around Venezuela would be withdrawn from hostilities, reducing their exposure to combat danger.

Military Veteran
Helps

Veterans may see reduced likelihood of future deployments to Venezuela conflicts, and potentially fewer service members joining their ranks due to combat.

Political Response

Milestones

3 milestones7 actions
Jan 14, 2026Senate

Point of order that the measure is not entitled to expedited procedures under 50 U.S.C. 1546(a) against the measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 50 - 50. Record Vote Number: 9.

Jan 14, 2026Senate

Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate. (consideration: CR S218)

Jan 8, 2026Senate

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 298.

Jan 8, 2026Senate

Senate Committee on Foreign Relations discharged by Yea-Nay Vote. 52 - 47. Record Vote Number: 5, by motion, pursuant to 50 U.S.C. 1546a.

Jan 8, 2026Senate

Motion to discharge Senate Committee on Foreign Relations made. (consideration: CR S100)

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

2026, early months

Senate may vote on the resolution

If passed by both chambers, the President would be legally required to withdraw U.S. forces from Venezuela hostilities unless Congress separately authorizes military action.

Vote Results

2 votes
SenatePassedProceduralJan 8, 2026

On the Motion to Discharge

52
47
Democrat
45 – 0
Republican
5 – 47 · 1
Independent
2 – 0
View full roll call
SenatePoint of Order Well TakenJan 14, 2026

On the Point of Order

50
50
Democrat
0 – 45
Republican
50 – 3
Independent
0 – 2
View full roll call

9 Articles

Washington TimesCenter Right

Kaine's mutiny is in line with Democrats' defeatism

news_articleCenter

Rubio to face former US Senate colleagues on Venezuela policy

news_articleCenter

After House floor drama, a narrow defeat of Venezuela war powers resolution

news_articleCenter Left

House Republicans barely defeat Venezuela war powers resolution to check Trump's military actions

news_articleCenter Left

House Republicans barely defeat war powers resolution to check Trump's military actions in Venezuela

Related Bills

1 bill
S.J.Res. 90Related bill

A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress.

Nov 6 — Motion to discharge Senate Committee on Foreign Relations rejected by Yea-Nay Vote. 49 - 51. Record Vote Number: 608. (consideration: CR S7958)

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress.

Bill NumberSJRES 98
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionPoint of order that the measure is not entitled to expedited procedures under 50 U.S.C. 1546(a) against the measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 50 - 50. Record Vote Number: 9.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(30)
D: 28R: 1I: 1

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.