Five Republican senators defied their party leadership to join Democrats in advancing legislation that would block President Donald Trump from launching future attacks on Venezuela without congressional approval. The vote, which moved the bill forward for consideration, marked a symbolic rebuke to Trump's plans for Venezuela.
The five Republicans who voted with Democrats - Susan Collins of Maine, Todd Young of Indiana, Josh Hawley of Missouri, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska - brought the final tally in favor of the measure to 52-47. The vote came hours after Trump said that the U.S. could oversee Venezuela's affairs for years without congressional approval.
Trump immediately lashed out at the Republicans who voted with Democrats, stating they should "never be elected to office again." He also noted that the procedural vote sets up another floor debate next week on whether to give final approval to the measure.
The bill's lead Democratic sponsor, Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, had leaned heavily on the constitutional role for Congress in declaring war to convince Republicans to support the measure. Kaine stated that the execution of an open arrest warrant for Maduro was valid by itself and that going forward, U.S. troops should not be used in hostilities in Venezuela without congressional approval.
While the vote will have no immediate impact on the U.S. forces assembled in the Caribbean, it sends a stark message to Trump that even some Republicans are displeased with his open-ended plans for Venezuela. Collins, Young, and Hawley flipped their votes after previously opposing similar resolutions that would have prevented Trump from acting against Venezuela.
The vote is seen as a victory for Democrats who pointed out Trump's comments in a New York Times interview that seemed to point to a potentially yearslong entanglement in Venezuela. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the American people were not ready for an "endless war" and wanted Congress to focus on pressing domestic issues.
The legislation faces an uphill battle in the Senate, where it will require another vote to pass, and in the House, where it is likely to be vetoed by Trump. However, advocacy groups say even if the measure ultimately falls short, it could restrain the White House from escalating further involvement in Venezuela.
The five Republicans who voted with Democrats - Susan Collins of Maine, Todd Young of Indiana, Josh Hawley of Missouri, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska - brought the final tally in favor of the measure to 52-47. The vote came hours after Trump said that the U.S. could oversee Venezuela's affairs for years without congressional approval.
Trump immediately lashed out at the Republicans who voted with Democrats, stating they should "never be elected to office again." He also noted that the procedural vote sets up another floor debate next week on whether to give final approval to the measure.
The bill's lead Democratic sponsor, Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, had leaned heavily on the constitutional role for Congress in declaring war to convince Republicans to support the measure. Kaine stated that the execution of an open arrest warrant for Maduro was valid by itself and that going forward, U.S. troops should not be used in hostilities in Venezuela without congressional approval.
While the vote will have no immediate impact on the U.S. forces assembled in the Caribbean, it sends a stark message to Trump that even some Republicans are displeased with his open-ended plans for Venezuela. Collins, Young, and Hawley flipped their votes after previously opposing similar resolutions that would have prevented Trump from acting against Venezuela.
The vote is seen as a victory for Democrats who pointed out Trump's comments in a New York Times interview that seemed to point to a potentially yearslong entanglement in Venezuela. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the American people were not ready for an "endless war" and wanted Congress to focus on pressing domestic issues.
The legislation faces an uphill battle in the Senate, where it will require another vote to pass, and in the House, where it is likely to be vetoed by Trump. However, advocacy groups say even if the measure ultimately falls short, it could restrain the White House from escalating further involvement in Venezuela.
! It's like they're saying "hold up, we got this" 
. I think it's a major win for Democrats too, shows they can work together and make a statement 
. The fact that Collins, Young, Hawley, and Murkowski flipped their votes is wild, I mean who knew they had it in 'em? 
. And Trump's reaction? Typical, throwing shade and trying to intimidate them 
. But let's be real, this move sends a clear message that not everyone agrees with his plans for Venezuela, so... about time someone spoke up! 
... Like, no one should be able to just decide on their own whether or not we're at war with another country 
. It's not even something we do in the real world, right? 
... I mean, it shows that even some of Trump's own people are like "hey, wait a minute, this isn't how things work" 
. It's definitely not going to be an easy fight in the Senate, but I'm hoping we can hold our ground 
... like, come on dude, get your priorities straight! 
And those advocacy groups are right, even if this bill doesn't pass, it's still going to make a difference in the long run 
.
. You got some of these Republicans who are supposed to be Trump's allies suddenly deciding to side with the Democrats? That's just crazy talk 
. Can you believe that? It's like he's trying to intimidate people into doing what he wants. Newsflash, Donald: being a public servant isn't about you, it's about serving the country 
.
I mean, can you believe some Republicans actually voted with Democrats? It's a big deal, especially since Trump was just saying they should never be elected again... That's pretty harsh talk! 
Collins, Young, and Hawley have got to be thinking "what were we thinking?!" 
The bill still has a long way to go, but it's definitely a victory for accountability and Congress' authority 
. It's refreshing to see them pivot after opposing similar resos and come back strong 
. The US shouldn't be embroiled in a potential yearslong Venezuela drama 
. It's about time some sanity set in, I mean, who needs an endless war in Venezuela, right? 
. Collins and co. got roasted but at least they stood up for something other than Trump's tweets 
. The bill might not pass, but this move is a win for the Democrats and shows that even in the Senate, there are some brave souls who aren't afraid of speaking truth to power 
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