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2h ago

Vance Breaks Tie as Senate Blocks Venezuela War Powers Measure

Assurances from Secretary of State Marco Rubio about no U.S. ground troops prompted two GOP reversals, letting leaders remove the measure’s fast‑track protection.

U.S. Senator Christopher Murphy (D-CT) talks to reporters after a vote on a resolution that would bar President Donald Trump from further military action against Venezuela without congressional approval, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., January 8, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., speaks during a news conference at the Capitol, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) talks with friends before attending the weekly Senate Republican policy luncheon the U.S. Capitol on December 09, 2025 in Washington, DC.
Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley talks to reporters during a vote on Oct. 6, 2025, at the Capitol.

Overview

  • The Senate voted 51-50 to sustain a point of order that stripped the resolution of privileged status, preventing a final vote.
  • Republican Senators Josh Hawley and Todd Young flipped after Rubio’s letter said there are no U.S. ground troops in Venezuela and promised to seek authorization for major operations.
  • Vice President J.D. Vance cast the tie-breaking vote, while Republicans Rand Paul, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins sided with Democrats to keep the measure alive.
  • GOP leaders argued the War Powers fast-track did not apply because there are no ongoing hostilities or U.S. troops on the ground in Venezuela.
  • Rubio agreed to testify before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and the resolution was unlikely to become law regardless due to an expected presidential veto.