Vance Comes To Trump’s Defense
Vice President JD Vance sharply criticized the War Powers Act on Thursday, calling the decades-old law unconstitutional and misleading, just hours after the Senate advanced a bipartisan effort aimed at limiting President Donald Trump in his handling of Venezuela.
The comments came during a White House press briefing, where Vance made clear that the administration views the 1973 statute as legally flawed and largely symbolic.
“The president has said this before, and it’s true,” Vance told reporters. “Every modern president, Democrat and Republican alike, believes the War Powers Act is fundamentally unconstitutional.”
White House Says Resolution Won’t Change Policy
Vance emphasized that the Senate’s action would not alter how the administration approaches foreign policy or national security decisions.
“This resolution isn’t going to change how we conduct foreign policy in the coming weeks or months,” he said. “The president will continue to act in the best interests of the United States.”
Earlier Thursday, the Senate voted 52–47 to move a War Powers resolution out of committee, sending it to the full chamber for a vote expected next week. Five Republican senators joined Democrats in advancing the measure.
A similar resolution failed in the House last month, and even if the Senate ultimately passes it, President Trump is expected to veto the bill.
Who Sponsored the Measure
The resolution was introduced by Sen. Rand Paul and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, along with Sens. Tim Kaine and Adam Schiff.
If enacted, the measure would restrict the Trump administration from deploying U.S. military forces “within or against Venezuela.”
The vote comes just days after U.S. personnel captured Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro, an operation that supporters say strengthened America’s position in the region.
Trump Blasts GOP Senators Who Backed Resolution
President Trump responded forcefully on Truth Social, criticizing the Republican senators who voted with Democrats and arguing their actions weaken America’s ability to defend itself.
Trump said Republicans should be embarrassed by colleagues who sided with Democrats to weaken America’s ability to defend itself, adding that Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul, Josh Hawley, and Todd Young do not deserve reelection.
Todd Young Defends His Vote
Sen. Todd Young defended his decision, saying Congress should approve any extended U.S. military involvement.
“The administration has suggested the United States now ‘runs’ Venezuela,” Young said in a statement. “If that means American troops would be required to stabilize the country, I’m not prepared to commit them without congressional approval.”
Lindsey Graham Backs Trump, Calls Law Unconstitutional
Sen. Lindsey Graham, a longtime Trump ally and defense hawk, strongly supported the president and echoed Vance’s criticism of the War Powers Act.
Graham argued that Congress already has constitutional tools to challenge military actions it opposes.
“If lawmakers disagree with the Commander in Chief, they can cut funding or pursue impeachment if they believe an action is unlawful,” Graham wrote on X. “What they cannot do is replace the president’s judgment with their own.”
“The country cannot function with 535 Commanders in Chief,” Graham added.
