In a 49-51 vote, the US Senate blocked a Democratic war powers resolution that would have forced Donald Trump to seek approval for strikes in Venezuela, leaving his ability to expand the campaign unchecked. Only Republicans Rand Paul and Lisa Murkowski backed it; Susan Collins and Thom Tillis opposed. As the administration deploys a carrier to the Caribbean and signals possible land targets, senators demanded legal clarity. Officials said strikes on alleged drug-running boats do not constitute "hostilities," yet have offered no concrete evidence the killed were smugglers. The vote let lawmakers register alarm over escalation without changing policy.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.