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Kaine: I’ll Refile War Powers Resolution Immediately If U.S. Military Acts in Venezuela

Sen. Tim Kaine plans to refile a war powers resolution that would require Congress to approve any U.S. military action in Venezuela, saying recent military buildups and presidential comments make such action more likely. He expects greater bipartisan backing and says he will move the measure immediately if strikes occur, coordinating with Senators Schumer, Paul and Schiff. Kaine also highlighted a Washington Post report alleging a September order by Pete Hegseth to “kill everybody” on a suspected drug boat, a claim Hegseth denies.

07:59 AM, 12/01/2025Politics

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) said he will refile a war powers resolution and move it immediately if the United States undertakes any military action in Venezuela. The measure would require congressional approval before U.S. forces could engage there, and Kaine told CBS News he expects broader bipartisan support given recent developments.

Why Kaine is pushing the measure

Kaine pointed to a recent buildup of U.S. military assets near Venezuela and comments by President Trump about closing Venezuelan airspace as signs that military action could be imminent. A similar resolution failed earlier this year, but Kaine said the circumstances have changed and he believes the vote outcome will, too.

“I do believe the numbers will change,” Kaine said. He added he would move the measure “immediately should there be military action,” coordinating with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.).

Kaine also recalled that he previously introduced a resolution seeking to block the administration's strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, which he called illegal. He cited a Washington Post report alleging that Defense Department official Pete Hegseth gave an order in September to “kill everybody” aboard a suspected drug-smuggling boat — an allegation Kaine said would rise to the level of a war crime if true.

Hegseth has denied the report, calling it “fake news” and asserting that the U.S. military's strikes against suspected drug-smuggling vessels were lawful. Kaine noted that past votes drew bipartisan support and expressed confidence that additional Republicans could back the measure when it is refiled in light of recent revelations and the changing operational context.

Next steps: Kaine said he would move quickly to force a Senate vote should strikes begin, aiming to require congressional authorization before any sustained military engagement in Venezuela.

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