Senate Discharges War Powers Resolution on Venezuela 52-47, Confirms Judicial Nominee, and Files Cloture on Appropriations Bill
The Senate convened for a legislative day that saw significant action on constitutional authority, judicial appointments, and government funding. A War Powers Resolution concerning U.S. military actions in Venezuela was successfully discharged from committee by a recorded vote of 52-47, placing it on the calendar for future consideration. The Senate also confirmed a judicial nominee for the Western District of Louisiana and initiated the process for considering a consolidated appropriations bill for fiscal year 2026 by filing a motion to proceed and a cloture motion. Additionally, Senators engaged in floor debate on topics including the President's veto of the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act, welfare fraud, and the administration's rhetoric regarding Greenland.
This chamber-day was significant for the Senate's assertion of its constitutional role in matters of war and peace, directly challenging the executive branch's authority regarding military intervention in Venezuela. The confirmation of a federal judge impacts the judiciary, while the advancement of the appropriations bill is crucial for avoiding a government shutdown and funding federal operations. Discussions on the President's veto and foreign policy rhetoric further underscored ongoing tensions between the legislative and executive branches.
Directing the Removal of United States Armed Forces from Hostilities Within or Against Venezuela That Have Not Been Authorized by Congress
S.J. Res. 98Question before the chamber
Motion to discharge S.J. Res. 98 from the Committee on Foreign Relations.
The case for
Proponents, including Senators Kaine, Reed, Schiff, Schumer, and Markey, argued that President Trump's military actions in Venezuela, culminating in the raid on Caracas and the capture of Nicolas Maduro, constitute an unauthorized act of war. They asserted that the President waged war without congressional authorization or a clear long-term strategy, and that the stated objective of seizing Venezuela's oil reserves for profit was not about democracy or narcotrafficking. They emphasized Congress's constitutional duty to authorize war and prevent open-ended military entanglements, warning against the costs in treasure and American lives, and the potential for destabilizing the region and global order.
The case against
Opponents, including Senators Risch and McConnell, contended that the President's actions were within his Article II authority to defend U.S. interests and citizens, citing historical precedents like President H.W. Bush's apprehension of Manuel Noriega. They argued that the resolution was unnecessary and unconstitutional because there was no *continuing* deployment of U.S. forces in hostilities, and that its purpose was merely to "slap the President of the United States in the face." They commended the President for his decisive action in removing an indicted narcoterrorist.
Disposition
Motion to discharge · recorded vote
Motion to discharge agreed to; S.J. Res. 98 placed on the calendar.
Yeas 52, Nays 47
Who is affected
- American servicemembers: Potential for deployment, injury, and involvement in prolonged conflict in Venezuela without clear congressional authorization.
- Venezuelan people: Impacted by regime change, potential for instability, and the future governance of their country, including control over oil resources.
- U.S. taxpayers: Bearing the financial costs of military intervention and potential long-term occupation.
- International relations and global order: Setting a precedent for unilateral military action and potentially destabilizing the post-World War II world order, as argued by proponents.
Senate Advances War Powers Resolution on Venezuela
highThe Senate voted 52-47 to discharge S.J. Res. 98, a joint resolution directing the President to terminate unauthorized military hostilities in Venezuela, from the Committee on Foreign Relations. This procedural vote places the resolution on the Senate calendar, allowing for potential future consideration and debate on the scope of executive war powers following recent U.S. military actions in Caracas.
Judicial Nominee Confirmed
mediumAlexander C. Van Hook was confirmed by a recorded vote of 53 yeas to 40 nays to be a United States District Judge for the Western District of Louisiana, filling a federal judicial vacancy.
Appropriations Bill Advances to Floor Consideration
highThe House-passed consolidated appropriations bill (H.R. 6938) for fiscal year 2026 was read for a second time and placed on the Senate calendar. A motion to proceed to the bill was subsequently filed, along with a cloture motion, setting the stage for a vote to limit debate and advance the measure on the next legislative day.
Concerns Raised Over Greenland Annexation Rhetoric
mediumSenator Murkowski delivered a floor speech expressing deep concern and anxiety among Arctic allies, particularly Greenland and Denmark, regarding aggressive rhetoric from the Trump administration and some members of Congress suggesting the annexation or acquisition of Greenland by force or coercion. She emphasized Greenland's sovereignty and the potential damage to NATO and international relationships.
Resolution Honoring January 6 Law Enforcement Adopted
lowThe Senate unanimously agreed to S. Res. 580, directing the Architect of the Capitol to prominently display a plaque honoring law enforcement members who responded on January 6, 2021, in a publicly accessible location in the Senate wing until its permanent placement.