The United States Senate has voted to advance a resolution aimed at restricting President Donald Trump from taking further military action in Venezuela without explicit congressional approval, marking a rare bipartisan pushback against the White House.
The chamber voted 52–47 on Thursday to move the war powers resolution forward, with a small group of Republicans joining Democrats to support the measure. The vote clears the path for a final decision but faces significant hurdles to becoming law.
The move comes as President Trump suggested that US oversight of Venezuela could extend for years. In an interview with The New York Times, Trump said Washington could control Venezuela’s oil revenue for an extended period following the seizure of President Nicolás Maduro during a weekend military operation.
“Only time will tell,” Trump said when asked how long US oversight would last, adding that it would be “much longer” than a few months.
Trump said the United States plans to rebuild Venezuela “in a very profitable way” and claimed the administration is cooperating with interim President Delcy Rodríguez, a longtime Maduro ally and former vice president.
Meanwhile, Venezuela’s National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez announced that dozens of foreign and Venezuelan detainees would be released, describing the move as a unilateral gesture of peace. Human rights groups estimate that more than 860 political prisoners remain in custody.
Trump also confirmed plans to meet opposition leader María Corina Machado during her visit to Washington next week, though he declined to explain why the US has not transferred power to the opposition, previously recognised by Washington as the legitimate winner of Venezuela’s 2024 election.
The Senate resolution faces long odds, requiring passage by the Republican-controlled House and a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override a likely presidential veto. Trump condemned the vote on social media, accusing Republican supporters of the measure of undermining national security.
Tensions with Colombia appeared to ease after Trump held a cordial call with President Gustavo Petro, signalling a retreat from earlier military threats against the neighbouring country.
The administration has also unveiled plans to refine and sell up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil previously blocked under US sanctions. Trump is scheduled to meet major US oil executives to discuss expanding production, saying companies could invest more than $100 billion in Venezuela.
Erizia Rubyjeana
About the Author
