Bill · S.J.Res. 98· Senate(119-SJRES-98)
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.
- Introduced
- 12/3/2025
- Last activity
- 1/14/2026 — Point of order that the measure is not entitled to expedited procedures under 50 U.S.C. 1546(a) raised against the measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 50 - 50. Record Vote Number: 9.
- Sponsored by
- Timothy Kaine
- Cosponsors
- - 28 - 1
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This joint resolution directs the President to end the use of United States Armed Forces for hostilities within or against Venezuela. The resolution notes that Congress has not declared war or provided specific statutory authorization for such military action. It establishes that current military involvement constitutes the introduction of forces into hostilities under the War Powers Resolution. By passing this, Congress seeks to terminate these hostilities unless a declaration of war or specific authorization is provided. The resolution includes a rule of construction regarding self-defense.
Yes
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?+6
By terminating un-authorized military hostilities, the resolution shifts focus away from military conflict toward potential diplomatic channels.
Does this reduce what is spent on the military?+5
The bill directs the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela, which would reduce costs associated with those military actions.
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+4
Ending un-authorized hostilities may reduce the frequency of military deployments and associated risks to service members.
The opposite
Does this give the federal government more power?-5
The bill restricts the President's ability to engage in military hostilities without explicit Congressional authorization, thereby asserting more legislative control over executive war-making powers.
What Congress actually voted on
2 recorded votes have been taken on this bill.
None of them settled the bill — every vote so far has been about whether to keep going.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Termination of Unapproved Military Hostilities: The bill directs the President to end the use of United States Armed Forces for hostilities within or against Venezuela, unless there is a declaration of war or specific authorization (Section 2(a)). This would stop military actions that have not been explicitly authorized by Congress (Section 1).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Limitations on Military Action: The resolution restricts the United States from engaging in hostilities against Venezuela unless Congress provides a declaration of war or specific statutory authorization (Section 2(a)). However, it does note that this shall not prevent the United States from defending itself from an armed attack or a threat of an imminent armed attack (Section 2(b)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Diplomatic Engagement+6Reduces Military Spending+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power-5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Veterans+4
No amendments submitted yet for this bill.
- 1/14/2026
- Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate. (consideration: CR S218)
- Point of order that the measure is not entitled to expedited procedures under 50 U.S.C. 1546(a) raised against the measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 50 - 50. Record Vote Number: 9.
- 1/8/2026
- Motion to discharge Senate Committee on Foreign Relations made. (consideration: CR S100)
- Senate Committee on Foreign Relations discharged by Yea-Nay Vote. 52 - 47. Record Vote Number: 5, by motion, pursuant to 50 U.S.C. 1546a.
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 298.
- 5 Cosponsors added.
- 1/7/2026
- 5 Cosponsors added.
- 1/6/2026
- 15 Cosponsors added.
- 1/5/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 12/3/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
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