Five GOP Senators Vote to Move Forward Bill Blocking Future Trump Attacks on Venezuela

Five Republican senators defied their party leadership to join Democrats in advancing legislation that would block President Donald Trump from launching future attacks on Venezuela without congressional approval. The vote, which moved the bill forward for consideration, marked a symbolic rebuke to Trump's plans for Venezuela.

The five Republicans who voted with Democrats - Susan Collins of Maine, Todd Young of Indiana, Josh Hawley of Missouri, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska - brought the final tally in favor of the measure to 52-47. The vote came hours after Trump said that the U.S. could oversee Venezuela's affairs for years without congressional approval.

Trump immediately lashed out at the Republicans who voted with Democrats, stating they should "never be elected to office again." He also noted that the procedural vote sets up another floor debate next week on whether to give final approval to the measure.

The bill's lead Democratic sponsor, Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, had leaned heavily on the constitutional role for Congress in declaring war to convince Republicans to support the measure. Kaine stated that the execution of an open arrest warrant for Maduro was valid by itself and that going forward, U.S. troops should not be used in hostilities in Venezuela without congressional approval.

While the vote will have no immediate impact on the U.S. forces assembled in the Caribbean, it sends a stark message to Trump that even some Republicans are displeased with his open-ended plans for Venezuela. Collins, Young, and Hawley flipped their votes after previously opposing similar resolutions that would have prevented Trump from acting against Venezuela.

The vote is seen as a victory for Democrats who pointed out Trump's comments in a New York Times interview that seemed to point to a potentially yearslong entanglement in Venezuela. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the American people were not ready for an "endless war" and wanted Congress to focus on pressing domestic issues.

The legislation faces an uphill battle in the Senate, where it will require another vote to pass, and in the House, where it is likely to be vetoed by Trump. However, advocacy groups say even if the measure ultimately falls short, it could restrain the White House from escalating further involvement in Venezuela.

I'm loving how these Republican senators are speaking up against Trump's plans for Venezuela ! It's like they're saying "hold up, we got this" . I think it's a major win for Democrats too, shows they can work together and make a statement . The fact that Collins, Young, Hawley, and Murkowski flipped their votes is wild, I mean who knew they had it in 'em? . And Trump's reaction? Typical, throwing shade and trying to intimidate them . But let's be real, this move sends a clear message that not everyone agrees with his plans for Venezuela, so... about time someone spoke up!

So I'm reading this about Trump's plans for Venezuela and I gotta say, it feels like a total power grab ... Like, no one should be able to just decide on their own whether or not we're at war with another country . It's not even something we do in the real world, right?

And the fact that these five Republicans suddenly change their minds and vote with the Democrats is pretty cool ... I mean, it shows that even some of Trump's own people are like "hey, wait a minute, this isn't how things work" . It's definitely not going to be an easy fight in the Senate, but I'm hoping we can hold our ground .

I love how Schumer is calling out Trump for wanting to drag us into some kind of endless war ... like, come on dude, get your priorities straight! And those advocacy groups are right, even if this bill doesn't pass, it's still going to make a difference in the long run .

I'm wondering what makes some folks think they can just unilaterally decide whether or not to go to war without consulting their constituents ... Like, we all know how that usually ends up, right? It's like trying to contain a massive fire with a tiny squirt gun - it's just gonna keep spreading and getting bigger . And what really gets me is when politicians start talking about an "endless war" like it's some kind of badge of honor ... I mean, what if that endless war is actually just a never-ending cycle of debt and suffering? What does that even say about our priorities as a society?

I'm telling ya, back in my day we didn't have all these politicians flip-flopping like that . You got some of these Republicans who are supposed to be Trump's allies suddenly deciding to side with the Democrats? That's just crazy talk ! What really gets me is that Trump is threatening to take it out on them, saying they shouldn't even be allowed to run for office again . Can you believe that? It's like he's trying to intimidate people into doing what he wants. Newsflash, Donald: being a public servant isn't about you, it's about serving the country .

Wow! This is so interesting! I mean, can you believe some Republicans actually voted with Democrats? It's a big deal, especially since Trump was just saying they should never be elected again... That's pretty harsh talk! The fact that these five senators defied their party and still voted for it shows they're not afraid to take a stand. And I love how Schumer is calling out the need for Congress to focus on domestic issues instead of getting drawn into more international conflicts. It's all about prioritizing what really matters, you know?

just saw this crazy turn of events in the Senate!!! Five Republican senators are totally not afraid to go against their party leader and team up with Dems to block Trump's plans for Venezuela I gotta give it to Sen Kaine, he played the war declaration card so well and made some solid points about Congress' role in declaring war Collins, Young, and Hawley have got to be thinking "what were we thinking?!" anyway, this vote is a major win for Dems and shows Trump that even some Reps are not down with his Venezuela plans The bill still has a long way to go, but it's definitely a victory for accountability and Congress' authority

Trump's tantrums never get old. Those 5 Reps who broke party ranks deserve a gold star for standing up to his ego . It's refreshing to see them pivot after opposing similar resos and come back strong . If they can keep this momentum going, maybe the rest of the Rs will follow suit . Kaine's strategy on highlighting Congress' war-declaring role was spot on . The US shouldn't be embroiled in a potential yearslong Venezuela drama . Schumer nailed it when he said we need to focus on pressing domestic issues .

I think it's kinda funny that trump got all salty when his own party members didn't agree with him on something like a teenager throwing a tantrum. but seriously though, can we talk about how this is basically saying that trump's ego is bigger than the country now? i mean, come on dude, if you wanna attack another country, at least get congress to back you up. it's not that hard and btw, todd young, josh hawley, and lisa murkowski, those 3 republicans who defected to the democrats deserve some major props for standing up to trump

Trump's tantrum is as expected , who wouldn't want their colleagues disowning them in public? The fact that 5 Republicans are willing to defy him just shows they're not bought off by his ego . It's about time some sanity set in, I mean, who needs an endless war in Venezuela, right? . Collins and co. got roasted but at least they stood up for something other than Trump's tweets . The bill might not pass, but this move is a win for the Democrats and shows that even in the Senate, there are some brave souls who aren't afraid of speaking truth to power .

I gotta say, this is some wild stuff . Five Republicans just straight up defied their own party leadership and voted with the Democrats on blocking Trump's plans for Venezuela without congressional approval. That's like, a major middle finger to Trump and his whole "I can do whatever I want" vibe .

But at the same time, I get why some of these Republicans were willing to take this stand. I mean, who doesn't love the idea of not having to deal with the aftermath of an endless war in Venezuela? It's not like they're being traitors or anything (although Trump is definitely playing that card hard).

I think what's really interesting here is how this vote reflects the growing divide between Trump's base and some of his own party members. Like, we all know Trump's got a lot of fans out there who are super loyal to him, but it looks like some folks in the Senate are starting to see through his antics .

Anyway, I'm keeping an eye on this one. It'll be interesting to see how it plays out in the end .