Overview
- Five Republicans joined Democrats to open debate on a joint resolution requiring congressional approval for any additional U.S. attacks on Venezuela.
- Republican backers included moderate Lisa Murkowski and Trump ally Josh Hawley, laying bare divisions within the party.
- President Trump lashed out at the five GOP senators who supported the motion, declaring they should never be elected again.
- The push for restraints followed Trump’s January 2 strike on Venezuela, which he ordered without advance notification to Congress.
- Japan’s prime minister declined to directly assess the U.S. action and stressed diplomatic efforts for Venezuela’s stability, as experts warned of broader regional implications.