2 Republicans Flip For Trump
Senate Republicans voted Wednesday to stop a resolution that would have limited President Donald Trump from authorizing military force in or against Venezuela, after two GOP senators reversed their earlier positions and sided with party leadership.
Sens. Josh Hawley of Missouri and Todd Young of Indiana voted to uphold a procedural objection that effectively halted the proposal. Both senators had supported advancing the measure just one week earlier.
Their change came after renewed discussions with the administration and assurances about how any future military action would be handled.
Administration Assurances Shift Votes
Hawley said he withdrew his support after receiving confirmation from Secretary of State Marco Rubio that there are currently no U.S. combat forces operating in Venezuela. He also said the administration committed to seeking congressional approval before any major military deployment.
Young echoed those remarks, saying he secured written assurances from the administration confirming that Congress would be consulted before any significant military operation.
He also noted that Rubio has agreed to testify before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee later this month to publicly explain U.S. policy toward Venezuela.
GOP Leadership Prevails on Procedural Vote
Those commitments proved decisive. With Hawley and Young switching positions, Senate Republicans were able to sustain a point of order raised by Jim Risch, chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, effectively ending consideration of the resolution.
The procedural vote resulted in a 50–50 tie. Vice President J.D. Vance then cast the tie-breaking vote, formally defeating the measure.
Risch argued on the Senate floor that the War Powers Act was being misapplied, noting that the United States currently has no troops engaged in active hostilities in Venezuela.
“We are being asked to restrict something that is not taking place,” Risch said, emphasizing that no U.S. forces are currently fighting in the country.
Trump Responds to GOP Dissent
The vote followed a surprise move last week when five Republican senators joined Democrats to advance the resolution out of committee. President Trump strongly criticized that decision, arguing it would weaken the executive branch’s ability to defend U.S. interests abroad.
Among those targeted were Hawley, Young, Rand Paul, Lisa Murkowski, and Susan Collins.
Trump later addressed the issue publicly, questioning why lawmakers would move to limit presidential authority when no active military conflict is underway.
Constitutional Debate Continues
Paul defended his position by saying the issue was rooted in constitutional balance rather than politics.
“This is a fundamental debate about the role of Congress and the presidency,” Paul said. “It’s about how the Constitution is applied in matters of national defense.”
Risch, however, described Trump’s recent operation involving Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro as limited and brief, rejecting claims that the president had bypassed Congress.
Bottom Line for Voters
The episode highlights an ongoing debate within the Republican Party over executive authority, foreign policy, and congressional oversight. It also underscores President Trump’s continued influence within the GOP, particularly on matters involving national security and the use of American military power.
