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Congress·In Progress·about 2 months ago

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

Impacts

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Active military personnel currently deployed in or around Venezuela would be withdrawn from hostilities, reducing their exposure to combat danger.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

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

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

Related News

2 articles
News From The States·about 2 months ago

US Senate with GOP support advances war powers resolution rebuking Trump on Venezuela

In a rare rebuke to President Trump, Senate Republicans joined Democrats in advancing a war powers resolution to halt U.S. military action in Venezuela without congressional authorization. The measure, co-sponsored by Sens. Kaine and Paul, advanced on a 52-47 vote.

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The Hill·4 months ago

Senate rejects resolution requiring congressional approval for Venezuela military action

The Senate narrowly rejected a joint resolution introduced by Sen. Tim Kaine that would have required explicit congressional authorization for military force in Venezuela. The 49-51 vote followed a classified briefing from administration officials regarding maritime operations.

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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. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.