January 15th, 2026 Local News
Washington, D.C. (KFMO) - Senate Republicans on Wednesday blocked a war powers resolution aimed at restricting President Donald Trump’s ability to conduct further military actions in Venezuela, overturning an earlier bipartisan effort after pressure from the White House led to defections by key GOP senators.
The resolution, pushed by Democrats and supported last week by five Republicans, would have required Congressional approval before Mr. Trump could launch additional strikes or military operations in Venezuela, a response to the U.S. military’s surprise raid that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro earlier this month.
Originally among those Republicans backing the resolution was Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri. But on Wednesday he reversed his position, joining Senator Todd Young of Indiana in abandoning support after White House assurances and pressure.
A procedural move by GOP leaders to dismiss the measure brought the Senate to a 50-50 tie, forcing Vice President JD Vance to cast the deciding vote against advancing the resolution. Critics of the vote say the outcome further cements presidential control over military action and sidesteps Congress’s constitutional role in authorizing the use of force.
Supporters of the resolution, mostly Democrats and three Republicans who stood firm, argue that it was a necessary check on executive power, especially after a controversial operation that unfolded without prior notice to lawmakers.