The US Senate is expected to vote on a resolution on Thursday that would prevent President Donald Trump from taking further military action against Venezuela unless there is clear authorization from Congress. 
The move comes days after US forces carried out a military raid in Caracas, capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a widely discussed operation. Supporters of the resolution are hopeful it could pass with a narrow vote, as some Republican senators are weighing their support. 
The resolution, co-sponsored by Republican Senator Rand Paul and Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, seeks to restore Congress' constitutional role in authorizing military action and is part of a series of measures raised following the escalation of US military pressure on Venezuela. 
If approved in the Senate, the resolution would still have to win approval from the Republican-controlled House of Representatives and withstand a presidential veto — which would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override it. 
Democrats have accused the administration of misinforming lawmakers about the goals and nature of military action, fueling debate over the legality of actions without congressional approval. 
Supporters of the resolution argue that US military involvement that goes beyond a police operation to arrest an individual – including airstrikes, naval strikes and plans to control oil resources – must be approved by the people’s elected representatives. 
Critics of the measure, including most Republicans, say the president has the authority as commander in chief to take actions he deems necessary for national security. 
With the presidential election approaching and geopolitical tensions rising, the Senate vote is seen as a key moment for the balance of power in American foreign policy.
