Senate advances measure to restrict Trump's use of military force in Venezuela

The Senate voted 52-47 to advance a bipartisan war powers resolution that would bar the president from using military force in or against Venezuela without prior congressional approval. A full Senate vote is scheduled for next week.

The Senate voted Thursday to advance a bipartisan resolution that would bar the president from using military force in or against Venezuela without prior congressional approval. The motion passed 52-47 after five Republicans joined all Democrats to move the war powers measure to the Senate floor. GOP leadership urged rejection of the measure while several Republican senators joined Democrats in advancing it. Key details: - The procedural motion passed 52-47, with five Republicans voting with all 47 Democrats to advance the resolution. - The resolution would require the president to obtain congressional approval before using military force "within or against Venezuela." - Sponsors include Sen. Tim Kaine and cosponsors Sen. Rand Paul, Sen. Adam Schiff and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. - A full Senate vote is set for next week; if approved by the Senate it would still need House approval and the president's signature to become law. Summary: The vote signals congressional concern about recent U.S. military actions related to Venezuela and seeks to limit unilateral executive authority in that context. A full Senate vote is scheduled for next week, and any final measure would require further action in the House and the president's signature.