Senate Reauthorizes National Earthquake and Landslide Preparedness Programs, Confirms Nomination, and Debates Venezuela Military Action
The Senate convened for the second session of the 119th Congress, formally opening the legislative year. Key legislative actions included the reauthorization of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program and the National Landslide Preparedness Act, both passed by unanimous consent. A Presidential nomination for an Assistant Secretary of Defense was also confirmed by recorded vote. A significant portion of the floor debate focused on recent U.S. military actions in Venezuela, with the Democratic leader strongly criticizing the administration's approach and announcing a forthcoming vote on a War Powers Resolution.
This chamber-day marked the formal start of the second session of the 119th Congress, setting the legislative agenda for the new year. The reauthorization acts are crucial for national disaster preparedness and resilience, updating programs to address seismic and landslide risks. The intense debate surrounding U.S. military intervention in Venezuela highlights a major foreign policy challenge and signals potential congressional efforts to assert its authority over military engagements, making it a high-stakes discussion for both national security and constitutional powers.
U.S. Military Action in Venezuela and Proposed War Powers Resolution
S.J. Res. 98Question before the chamber
The legitimacy and consequences of the administration's military actions in Venezuela, including the apprehension of President Maduro, and the assertion of Congress's authority through a War Powers Resolution to direct the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities.
The case for
No direct proponents' case for the military action in Venezuela was aired in the provided Record text. The President's communication regarding the strikes was referred to committee, but no Senator spoke in favor of the specific actions or the broader policy during the floor debate.
The case against
Senator Schumer argued that the apprehension of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, followed by the President's statement about the U.S. now intending to 'run' Venezuela, represents a dangerous 'military adventurism' and 'regime change and nation building' that the American people did not sign up for. He warned of the price in 'blood and in treasure,' drawing parallels to past interventions like Iraq, and criticized the administration for breaking promises to end endless wars and focus on domestic issues like the cost of living. He also accused Secretary Rubio of misleading Congress over the past four months regarding the administration's intentions in Venezuela.
Disposition
Debate occurred, and a War Powers Resolution (S.J. Res. 98) was introduced and referred, with a vote announced for later in the week. The President's report on the strikes was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. · other
The issue of U.S. military action in Venezuela was brought to the forefront of Senate discussion, and a legislative mechanism to challenge it was formally announced and introduced, setting the stage for future congressional action.
Who is affected
- People of Venezuela: Directly affected by the U.S. military strikes, the apprehension of their President, and the potential for U.S. intervention in their governance.
- American families: Potentially impacted by the financial and human costs of military adventurism, diverting resources and attention from domestic issues like healthcare and cost of living.
- U.S. Congress: Seeking to assert its constitutional authority over war and peace, challenging executive branch actions and demanding transparency and accountability.
Passage of National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2025
highThe Senate passed S. 320, the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2025, by unanimous consent. This bill reauthorizes the program through fiscal year 2028, updating its scope to include Tribal jurisdictions, secondary effects like tsunamis, and new objectives for post-earthquake functional recovery of buildings and infrastructure. It also specifies funding allocations for the Advanced National Seismic System.
Passage of National Landslide Preparedness Act Reauthorization Act of 2025
highThe Senate passed S. 1626, the National Landslide Preparedness Act Reauthorization Act of 2025, by unanimous consent. This legislation extends the program through fiscal year 2030, expanding its focus to include risks from atmospheric river flooding events and extreme precipitation. It also establishes regional partnerships for landslide research and monitoring, and authorizes the creation of a Next Generation Water Observing System to provide real-time water data.
Confirmation of Keith Bass as Assistant Secretary of Defense
mediumThe Senate confirmed the nomination of Keith Bass, of Texas, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense. The confirmation occurred via a recorded rollcall vote, with 50 Senators voting in favor and 35 against.
Democratic Leader Criticizes Venezuela Military Action and Announces War Powers Vote
highMinority Leader Senator Schumer strongly condemned recent U.S. military strikes in Venezuela, which led to the apprehension of President Nicolas Maduro. He criticized the administration's lack of a clear plan and accused it of engaging in 'military adventurism' and 'nation building.' Senator Schumer announced his intention to join other Senators in forcing a vote on a War Powers Resolution later in the week to affirm congressional authority over military actions in Venezuela.