Kaine to Introduce War Powers Resolution 'Immediately' in Response to Potential Military Action in Venezuela

Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) announced on Sunday his intention to refile a war powers resolution that would require Congress to approve any U.S. military action in Venezuela. Speaking on CBS Newss Face the Nation, Kaine expressed confidence that the measure could gain increased Republican support compared to a previous attempt.

I believe the numbers will shift, Kaine said, referring to backing for the resolution. He noted that the earlier version of the measure did not pass, but highlighted that circumstances have changed, including a buildup of military forces near Venezuela and statements from President Trump about closing the airspace.

Kaine also indicated he would coordinate with key Senate colleagues if military operations were initiated, mentioning Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.).

In addition, Kaine recalled a prior resolution he introduced to stop what he described as illegal U.S. strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific. He cited new information from a Washington Post report alleging that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had issued an order to kill everybody on a suspected drug boat in September, which resulted in a second strike after two survivors were initially left alive.

In past votes, we managed to secure two Republican votes alongside Democrats, Kaine said, adding that the combination of escalating tensions and recent revelations, such as the alleged kill everyone order, could increase support for his renewed motions.

Kaine remarked that if the Washington Posts report is accurate, the incident could constitute a war crime. Hegseth, however, denied the claims, labeling them fake news and asserting that U.S. military operations against suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific were lawful.

Senator Kaine Pushes for Renewed War Powers Resolution on Venezuela

Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) has announced plans to refile a war powers resolution, demanding congressional approval for any U.S. military action in Venezuela. Speaking on CBS News' "Face the Nation," Kaine expressed optimism that this new attempt will gain more bipartisan support, particularly from Republicans, than his previous effort. While his initial resolution failed to pass, the senator believes that shifting circumstances, such as an increased military presence near Venezuela and recent statements from President Trump regarding airspace restrictions, may sway more lawmakers in favor of the measure.

Kaine also highlighted his intention to work closely with influential Senate figures, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.), and Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), should military actions be triggered. His focus is on ensuring any military intervention in Venezuela receives proper scrutiny and approval by Congress, as required by the War Powers Resolution.

Moreover, Kaine revisited a prior resolution that aimed to halt unauthorized U.S. military strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific. This was in light of a new report from the Washington Post, alleging that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered the execution of all individuals aboard a suspected drug boat in September. Kaine underscored that if these claims are true, it could amount to a war crime, further fueling his call for greater oversight of military operations. Hegseth, however, has denied the accusations, labeling them as "fake news" and asserting that the actions taken were legally justified under U.S. military law.

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• Kaine plans to move war powers resolution ‘immediately’ should there be any military action in Venezuela