Senate votes to expand War Powers Act

Senate Advances Resolution to Limit Trump's War Powers After Venezuela

The Senate advanced a resolution Thursday that would limit President Donald Trump's ability to conduct further attacks against Venezuela, sounding a note of disapproval for his expanding ambitions in the Western Hemisphere.

Democrats and five Republicans voted to advance the war powers resolution on a 52-47 vote and ensure a later vote for final passage. It has virtually no chance of becoming law because Trump would have to sign it if it were to pass the House.

Still, it was a significant gesture that showed unease among some Republicans after the U.S. military seized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a surprise nighttime raid.

Trump's administration is now seeking to control Venezuela's oil resources and its government, but the war powers resolution would require congressional approval for any further attacks on the South American country.

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