The U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote on a resolution invoking war powers to address escalating conflict in Venezuela, with the Trump administration actively lobbying against the measure. The resolution, introduced by a bipartisan group of senators, aims to compel a review of military involvement and funding.
- Senate vote scheduled for January 15, 2026, on S. Res. 123, a war powers resolution regarding Venezuela
- 41 senators have co-sponsored the resolution, exceeding the 40 needed for procedural passage
- Department of Defense allocated $387 million in emergency funds for Latin American operations since January 2025
- Of that, $142 million was directed toward intelligence and surveillance activities in Venezuela
- Resolution mandates a 30-day report on military funding and personnel in Venezuela
- Passage could restrict future U.S. military deployments without congressional approval
The U.S. Senate is preparing to cast a vote on a resolution that seeks to invoke war powers authority in response to recent developments in Venezuela, where civil unrest and regional instability have intensified since late 2025. The measure, formally designated as S. Res. 123, was introduced by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), James Lankford (R-OK), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) in January 2026. It calls for the immediate withdrawal of any U.S. military personnel from Venezuela and demands a full report on the use of defense funds related to the region within 30 days. The resolution reflects growing congressional concern over the expansion of U.S. military engagement without formal authorization. According to congressional records, the Department of Defense has allocated $387 million in emergency funding for Latin American security operations since January 2025, with $142 million designated specifically for intelligence and surveillance activities in Venezuela. The administration argues that this funding supports regional stability and counters foreign influence, particularly from non-state actors and adversarial regimes. Despite the administration's opposition, the resolution has gained momentum, with 41 senators co-sponsoring the measure—exceeding the 40 needed for a procedural threshold. The vote is expected to occur on Wednesday, January 15, 2026, at approximately 3:00 p.m. EST. If passed, the resolution would trigger a mandatory review under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, potentially limiting future military deployments without congressional approval. Market and policy watchers note that the outcome could influence investor confidence in Latin American assets, particularly in energy and mining sectors. Venezuela's oil production, currently averaging 1.1 million barrels per day, remains a focal point amid geopolitical uncertainty. The resolution’s passage would also affect the Pentagon’s operational flexibility in the region, potentially impacting ongoing joint exercises with Colombia and Peru.