A bipartisan group of senators on Wednesday introduced a War Powers Resolution seeking to halt what they describe as unauthorized U.S. military “hostilities” in Venezuela under President Donald Trump.
The measure, led by Democratic Senators Tim Kaine of Virginia, Chuck Schumer of New York and Adam Schiff of California, along with Republican Rand Paul of Kentucky, would direct the president to withdraw U.S. forces unless Congress explicitly authorizes the mission.
The lawmakers say Congress has not approved military action in or against Venezuela and argue the Constitution reserves that power to the legislative branch. The resolution now heads to committee for consideration.
Paul posted Wednesday on X, "Branding individuals as 'narco-terrorist' without proof just to open the door to lethal force is not a legitimate policy—it’s a dangerous fantasy. It bypasses due process, shreds constitutional limits, and pushes America toward another unnecessary foreign war. Our national security decisions must be grounded in facts and governed by law, not political theatrics. Anything less endangers our values and our troops."
Newsweek has reached out to the Pentagon via email on Wednesday evening for comment.
Is the US Going to War with Venezuela?
There has been no declaration of war against Venezuela, however, the U.S. military has killed more than 80 people since early September in strikes on vessels the Trump administration says were transporting drugs toward the United States. The campaign began off Venezuela’s Caribbean coast and later expanded into the eastern Pacific, accompanied by a surge of U.S. military assets to levels not seen in the region in decades — a buildup widely viewed as an effort to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Trump said Tuesday that the United States would begin conducting strikes on land soon, without specifying locations, and suggested the operations could extend beyond Venezuela to countries such as Colombia.
“You know, the land is much easier, much easier. And we know the routes they take,” Trump said to reporters. “We know everything about them. We know where they live. We know where the bad ones live. And we’re going to start that very soon, too.”
Why Is Trump Attacking Venezuela?
The Trump administration has framed its actions in and around Venezuela as part of a broader effort to disrupt drug trafficking networks and pressure Maduro’s government. Officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, say strikes on suspected narcotics targets are aimed at safeguarding U.S. national security, though critics argue the operations risk drawing the United States into deeper conflict. The administration has also positioned the campaign as a way to push Maduro from power amid longstanding political tensions between Washington and Caracas.
Meanwhile, Hegseth and Pentagon officials are facing renewed scrutiny over the use of military force amid calls for him to release videotapes of an operation in which a U.S. special operations team allegedly struck survivors of an initial attack on a suspected drug boat off Venezuela. Several lawmakers and legal experts say a follow-up strike on people still alive would run afoul of the laws of armed conflict.
What Is the Purpose of the War Powers Resolution?
The War Powers Resolution is meant to ensure that the president cannot engage U.S. forces in hostilities without congressional authorization. It requires the executive branch to consult with lawmakers and withdraw troops from conflict zones unless Congress explicitly approves continued military action. The measure introduced by senators this week seeks to reaffirm Congress’ constitutional role and reassert legislative oversight before U.S. involvement in Venezuela expands further.
Updates: 12/3/25, 5:44 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.
Updates: 12/3/25, 6:09 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information.
Updates: 12/3/25, 6:52 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new remarks.