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

Five Republican senators joined Democrats to advance legislation that would block President Donald Trump from launching future attacks on Venezuela without congressional approval, handing the president a symbolic rebuke hours after he said the U.S. could oversee the country’s affairs for years.

While the vote will have no immediate impact on the ground, it sends a stark message to Trump that even some Republicans are displeased with his open-ended plans for Venezuela.

A U.S. attack on Venezuela on Saturday left dozens of people dead and President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in U.S. custody.

All Democrats voted to advance the war powers resolution co-sponsored by Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky.

Republicans Susan Collins of Maine, Todd Young of Indiana, Josh Hawley of Missouri, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska also voted in favor, bringing the final vote to 52-47. Republican Sen. Steve Daines of Montana did not vote.

The procedural vote moves the bill forward for consideration. It will require an additional vote to pass.

Ahead of........

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