Senate limits Trump's military powers

Yesterday (January 8, 2026), the United States Senate voted 52–47 to advance a bipartisan resolution limiting President Trump's military authority regarding Venezuela. According to those voting, the initiative stipulates that the president cannot conduct new military operations against Venezuela without explicit congressional approval. All Democrats and five Republicans voted in favor of the resolution.

The vote came shortly after a 'furious' raid by U.S. special forces in Caracas, during which Nicolás Maduro was captured, an action carried out without prior notification to Congress.

The document must undergo full voting in the Senate, the House of Representatives, and overcome a possible presidential veto, which experts assess as unlikely.

Context

In January 2026, U.S. intelligence agencies conducted a raid in Caracas, capturing Nicolás Maduro without prior notification to Congress.