Motion fails as US Senate votes 51–49, limiting Trump’s Venezuela strike powers: Video
The United States Senate has narrowly voted down a Democrat-backed resolution that sought to prevent President Donald Trump from launching military strikes against Venezuela without congressional authorisation.
The motion failed by a margin of 51 to 49 after a tense debate in Washington DC. As the presiding officer announced: “On this vote the yays are 49, the nays are 51, and the motion is not agreed to.”
The proposed measure would have required explicit congressional approval before the use of US armed forces “within or against Venezuela”. Supporters of the resolution argued it was vital to reassert Congress’s constitutional role in decisions of war and peace. Opponents, however, claimed such restrictions could limit the president’s ability to act swiftly in response to emerging security threats.
The Trump administration has defended its position, citing legal guidance from the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel to justify potential strikes. Earlier this week, Trump denied reports of imminent military action in Venezuela, though his comments left ambiguity over whether such operations remain under consideration.
In Caracas, officials have condemned recent US strikes on alleged “narco-boats” in international waters, accusing Washington of imperialism and of using anti-drug operations as a pretext for regime change. The Senate’s narrow vote underscores the ongoing division within the United States over the limits of presidential war powers — and the broader global implications of Washington’s military reach.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
