GOP shows little interest in limiting Trump's war powers

Republican leaders have largely declined to limit President Trump's authority after an operation targeting Venezuela's leader, and Senate Democrats are pressing a war powers resolution that could come to a vote this week.

President Donald Trump recently ordered an operation that targeted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. His public comments since then have included threats about further action in Venezuela and remarks about other countries. Many top House and Senate Republicans have supported the operation and have shown little appetite for new limits on presidential war powers. Democrats and a small group of Republicans say the president should seek congressional authorization and are pressing for a formal vote. Known developments: - Sen. Lindsey Graham said there is no chance Congress will put limits on the president's war powers. - The White House describes the Venezuela action as law enforcement and argues it did not require congressional approval. - Sen. Tim Kaine is leading a push for a Senate war powers resolution, and Democrats say a vote could occur as early as this week. - Some Republicans, including Sen. Josh Hawley, have requested briefings and declined to take a firm position pending more information. Summary: The situation has produced a visible split between party leaders, with many Republicans backing the administration and Democrats seeking to reassert Congress's role over military actions. A Senate vote on a war powers resolution may occur this week, and the outcome is undetermined at this time.