The Senate rejected a bipartisan war powers resolution that would have required congressional authorization for further U.S. military action in Venezuela. Two Republicans, Josh Hawley and Todd Young, switched to vote with their party after pressure from former President Trump and assurances from Sen. Marco Rubio that no U.S. ground troops remain in Venezuela. Vice President J.D. Vance cast the tie‑breaking vote, while three GOP senators — Rand Paul, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski — continued to side with Democrats. Democrats and the DNC criticized Republicans for backing down under Trump’s pressure.
Senate Rejects War Powers Resolution After Trump Pressure; Two GOP Senators Flip
U.S. Vice President JD Vance arrives at the U.S. Capitol before casting a tie-breaking vote to block a Venezuela war powers resolution on January 14, 2026 in Washington, DC. / Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images
Senate Republicans defeated a bipartisan war powers resolution that would have limited President Donald Trump’s ability to carry out further military operations in Venezuela without prior congressional authorization. The 50–50 Senate was decided when Vice President J.D. Vance cast the tie-breaking vote to block the measure.
Sen. Josh Hawley talks to reporters as he heads to a vote at the U.S. Capitol on January 14, 2026 in Washington, DC. / Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images
The resolution, advanced by Democrats including Sens. Tim Kaine and Chuck Schumer, was prompted by a Jan. 3 operation in which the administration authorized U.S. forces to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro without notifying Congress in advance. Five GOP senators initially voted with Democrats to advance the bill, drawing public rebukes from Trump.
Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) speaks with press before heading into a vote at the U.S. Capitol on January 14, 2026 in Washington, DC. / Heather Diehl / Getty Images
Two Republican senators — Josh Hawley of Missouri and Todd Young of Indiana — reversed course on Wednesday and voted with Republicans to defeat the resolution after reportedly receiving direct pressure from Trump. Young said he changed his vote after being told by Sen. Marco Rubio that no U.S. ground troops remain in Venezuela and after receiving a pledge that the administration would seek congressional authorization in advance for any major future operations.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) (L) is pulled aside by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) in the basement of the U.S. Capitol before a vote on a Venezuela war powers resolution on January 14, 2026 in Washington, DC. / Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images
Key developments and reactions:
U.S. Senator Rand Paul speaks with reporters after a vote at the U.S. Capitol on January 14, 2026 in Washington, DC. / Heather Diehl / Getty Images
Reassurances From Rubio: Young said Rubio committed to appearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee later this month to testify about the Venezuela operation, and to consult Congress before significant military commitments.
Senators Who Stayed With Democrats: Sens. Rand Paul (KY), Susan Collins (ME) and Lisa Murkowski (AK) continued to vote with Democrats in favor of limiting the president’s war powers.
Trump’s Public Attacks: Trump criticized the five GOP senators who initially opposed him, calling them "stupid" and saying they "should never be elected to office again" on Truth Social, and arguing the vote would imperil U.S. self‑defense.
Political Fallout: Democrats and the DNC criticized the GOP for yielding to pressure, arguing Republicans missed a chance to impose oversight checks on the executive branch.
The episode highlights tensions over presidential war powers, congressional oversight, and former President Trump's influence within the Republican Party. A Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on the Venezuela operation is expected later this month, where Rubio is scheduled to testify.
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