The vote cleared the 51-vote threshold needed to advance the measure and set a likely final Senate vote for the coming days. Every Senate Democrat supported advancing the resolution, and five Republicans crossed party lines: Sens. If enacted, the measure would require the president to seek specific authorization from Congress before ordering further U.S. military operations in Venezuela. Sponsors framed the resolution as a response to recent unilateral action and as an attempt to prevent additional escalation without legislative backing. Lawmakers received briefings from senior administration officials on U.S. policy toward Venezuela in the days leading up to the Senate debate.

Source: ABC News January 09, 2026 14:12 UTC