U.S. Senate Republicans block effort to limit Trump's Venezuela war powers

Senate Republicans voted to dismiss a war powers resolution that would have limited President Trump's authority over actions in Venezuela, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote after two Republican senators withdrew support.

Senate Republicans voted Wednesday to dismiss a war powers resolution that aimed to limit President Trump's authority over actions in Venezuela. Two Republican senators who had previously joined Democrats withdrew their support after pressure, producing a 50-50 split that required Vice President JD Vance to cast the deciding vote. Democrats brought the measure after officials said U.S. troops captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro earlier this month. The episode has become a focal point for debate in Congress about presidential use of military force. Key facts: - Senate Republicans voted to dismiss the war powers resolution; Vice President JD Vance broke the 50-50 tie. - Two GOP senators who had supported the measure reversed course after pressure from the president and administration officials. - Democrats pushed the measure following officials' statements that U.S. forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. - House Democrats have filed a similar war powers resolution and can force a vote as soon as next week. Summary: The Senate action prevented debate on a measure that would have sought to limit the president's authority in Venezuela, and the tie-breaking vote highlighted narrow margins within the chamber. House Democrats have a parallel measure ready and may force a vote next week, while broader questions about congressional oversight of military action remain active.