WASHINGTON – The U.S.Senate on November 6, 2025, rejected a bill that would have required congressional approval before the Trump governance could authorize direct military attacks against Venezuela, signaling continued support for the President’s options regarding potential intervention in the South American nation. The vote comes amid escalating tensions and increased U.S. military activity in the Caribbean Sea and off the coast of Latin America.
The rejected legislation aimed to limit the President’s authority to deploy troops or launch attacks within Venezuela, a move critics argued was necessary to uphold constitutional principles and prevent an unauthorized war. However, proponents of the administration’s stance maintain the President possesses the necessary powers to address what they deem an existential threat posed by the Maduro regime. As Senator Lindsey Graham stated, “Venezuela in the hands of (Venezuelan President Nicolas) Maduro poses an existential threat. I think President Trump has every power he wants to use to stop this.”
The senate’s decision followed a closed-door briefing by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth regarding ongoing military operations targeting vessels allegedly involved in “drug trafficking” off the coast of South America. These operations, which have been underway for the past two months, have reportedly resulted in 66 deaths across at least 16 incidents.
The administration has increasingly invoked the fight against Latin American drug cartels as justification for expanding the U.S. military’s role in the region. In late August, the U.S. deployed a naval force,including submarines and warships,near Venezuelan waters. Secretary hegseth publicly stated the U.S. military was prepared for operations in Venezuela, including potential regime change.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro responded by mobilizing 4.5 million militia forces, vowing to defend against any attack. The U.S. actions have drawn criticism from Venezuela and the international community, with accusations that the targeting of boats under the guise of “drug smuggling” violates international law. Following the Senate vote, Democratic lawmakers have demanded further information regarding the legal justifications and execution of the military operations.
