US Senate defies Trump and tries to stop war against Venezuela

The United States Senate approved, this Thursday (8), a resolution that determines the interruption of military actions against Venezuela without express authorization from Congress. The proposal, presented by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, was approved by 52 votes to 47 and had the support of five Republican senators, breaking the discipline of President Donald Trump’s party.

The text directs the president to cease the use of the US Armed Forces in hostilities “within or against Venezuela”, except in cases where there is a formal declaration of war or specific authorization for the use of military force approved by the Legislature.

Difficult procedure and likely veto
Despite approval in the Senate, the resolution still needs to undergo a new vote in the House and go to the Chamber of Representatives, where the Republicans maintain a majority. Even if it passes these stages, the measure faces the prospect of a presidential veto. To override a possible Trump veto, two-thirds of the votes in both the House and the Senate would be needed, a scenario considered unlikely.

Still, analysts assess the vote as politically significant, as it signals growing discomfort in Congress with the Executive’s unilateral conduct of foreign and military policy.

Criticism of the invasion and defense of the Constitution
When justifying the proposal, Tim Kaine stated that, although he supports the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, any additional action must be vetted by Congress. “The president’s statements that the US will govern Venezuela for years make it clear that his plans go far beyond Maduro. This means that Congress needs to speak out,” he said before the vote.

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The opposition argues that the invasion of Venezuela was illegal, since the US Constitution gives Congress the prerogative to declare war exclusively — something that has not occurred since World War II.

Divided Republicans
Among the Republicans who voted for the resolution were Susan Collins, Rand Paul, Lisa Murkowski, Todd Young and Josh Hawley. Collins declared that, despite supporting Maduro’s capture, he considers it essential to reaffirm Congress’s role in authorizing future military actions.

“I do not support the deployment of more American forces or any long-term military involvement in Venezuela without specific authorization from Congress,” said the senator, highlighting that the resolution does not address the operation already carried out, but limits future prolonged actions.

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After the invasion and kidnapping of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, Secretary of State Marco Rubio argued that the operation would not constitute war, but only the arrest of two people. Legal experts, however, refute the thesis and state that bombing the capital of another country and deposing its leader unequivocally constitutes an act of war.

Trump reacts with attacks on Congress
In reaction to the approval of the resolution, Trump used social media to harshly attack Republicans who voted with Democrats. According to him, the senators “should be ashamed” and “should never be elected again”.

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Trump also stated that the measure “serious harms self-defense and national security” and reiterated his position that the War Powers Act of 1973 is unconstitutional, as it violates Article II of the Constitution, which defines the president as commander in chief of the Armed Forces.

Political significance of voting
Organizations and experts in foreign policy and constitutional law classified the vote as a rare gesture of affirmation by the Legislature. For Cavan Kharrazian, director of the Demand Progress group, this is “a rare ray of good news for the Constitution”.

According to observers, although it does not immediately halt the military escalation, the Senate’s decision represents a political brake on Trump’s intentions to indefinitely expand the US presence and control over Venezuela, including threats to other countries in the region.