A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress.

Last action on Jan 14, 2026Senate: On the Point of Order

Summary

S.J.Res. 98 is a binding joint resolution that would direct the President to terminate any use of U.S. Armed Forces in hostilities within or against Venezuela, unless Congress has enacted a declaration of war or specific authorization to use military force for that purpose. The resolution includes an exception allowing the United States to defend itself from armed attacks or imminent threats of armed attack.

If enacted, this measure would reinforce congressional authority over military operations by requiring explicit legislative approval before armed forces can engage in hostilities against Venezuela. The resolution has passed committee review and is eligible for a floor vote in the Senate. For citizens, this could affect U.S. foreign policy toward Venezuela and the scope of military commitments the executive branch can undertake without congressional consent.

The resolution reflects broader constitutional questions about war powers, as it seeks to ensure that decisions to use military force against specific nations require congressional authorization rather than being undertaken unilaterally by the President.

Lifecycle of the Bill

S.Amdt.4227Proposed

Paul, Rand

S.Amdt.4228Proposed

Paul, Rand

Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate. (consideration: CR S218)

Jan 14, 2026

Point of order that the measure is not entitled to expedited procedures under 50 U.S.C. 1546(a) against the measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 50 - 50. Record Vote Number: 9.

Jan 14, 2026

Jan 14, 2026, 5:51 PM ET

SenateAgreed To

On the Point of Order

50 Yes

50 No

VoteSenate

On January 14, 2026, the Senate voted on a point of order regarding S.J.Res. 98, a joint resolution directing the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities in Venezuela that lack congressional authorization. The vote resulted in a 50-50 tie, with the motion agreed to by what appears to be a tiebreaking vote. This was a highly partisan vote with all 50 Republicans voting yes and 45 Democrats voting no, with 3 Republicans voting no and no Democrats voting yes. A point of order is a procedural challenge to whether a measure complies with Senate rules. The 50-50 tie and the agreement of the motion suggests the presiding officer, likely Vice President, cast a tiebreaking vote in favor of the point of order. This procedural outcome would have allowed the point of order to be sustained, potentially affecting how the underlying resolution could proceed or be considered. The vote reflects sharp partisan disagreement over U.S. military involvement in Venezuela. Republicans unanimously supported the point of order, while Democrats overwhelmingly opposed it, with only three Republicans breaking from their party. The resolution itself seeks to require congressional authorization for any armed forces operations against Venezuela, a matter of significant foreign policy debate. The outcome of this point of order vote would determine whether procedural objections to the resolution were sustained, potentially affecting the resolution's path forward in the Senate or its ultimate consideration.

S.Amdt.4187Proposed

Budd, Ted

S.Amdt.4195Proposed

Cruz, Ted

S.Amdt.4196Proposed

Cruz, Ted

S.Amdt.4197Proposed

Cruz, Ted

S.Amdt.4198Proposed

Cruz, Ted

S.Amdt.4199Proposed

Cruz, Ted

Jan 8, 2026, 10:59 AM ET

SenateAgreed To

On the Motion to Discharge

52 Yes

47 No

VoteSenate

The Senate voted 52-47 to approve a motion to discharge S.J.Res. 98, a joint resolution directing the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress. A discharge motion is a procedural tool used to bring a bill to the Senate floor when it is stalled in committee, requiring a simple majority to succeed. The motion passed with support from all 45 Democrats and 5 Republicans, while 47 Republicans opposed it. This largely party-line vote reflects significant disagreement between the parties over U.S. military involvement in Venezuela. The resolution itself asserts that any armed forces operations in Venezuela lack proper congressional authorization and should be halted. With the discharge motion approved, S.J.Res. 98 can now proceed to a full Senate vote on the underlying resolution. The next step would be debate and a final vote on whether to pass the resolution itself. If passed by the Senate and House, the resolution would direct the executive branch to withdraw armed forces from Venezuela hostilities, though the President could potentially veto such action.

A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress.

Summary

Lifecycle of the Bill

Cosponsors (30)

Related Legislation (1)

Senate Committee on Foreign Relations

CBO Cost Estimate

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A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress.

Summary

Lifecycle of the Bill

Lifecycle of the Bill

Bill Information

Sponsors & Co-sponsors (31)

Cosponsors (30)

Policy Area

Legislative Subjects (6)

Related Legislation (1)

Related Legislation (1)

Committees (1)

Senate Committee on Foreign Relations

CBO Cost Estimate

CBO Cost Estimate