Overview
- Republican leaders are considering a point of order to stop floor consideration, arguing the measure is not privileged because there are no U.S. troops in Venezuela.
- The resolution from Sen. Tim Kaine, co-sponsored by Sen. Rand Paul, would require congressional authorization before any new U.S. military action in or against Venezuela.
- The Senate advanced the measure 52–47 last week with all Democrats and Republicans Rand Paul, Josh Hawley, Todd Young, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins voting to proceed.
- After direct outreach from President Trump and his team, Sens. Josh Hawley and Todd Young now decline to commit on final passage, with Hawley citing assurances there will be no ground troops; Collins, Murkowski and Paul indicate they remain supportive.
- Even if it passes the Senate, the measure faces uncertain prospects in the House and a promised veto from the White House, following Trump’s Jan. 3 announcement of a U.S. operation he said captured Nicolás Maduro.