S.J.Res. 90 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the Senate, Oct 16, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryRequires congressional approval for military action in Venezuela
This joint resolution directs the President to stop using U.S. Armed Forces in hostilities with or against Venezuela, unless Congress has formally declared war or authorized military force for that specific purpose. The resolution does include an exception: the U.S. can still defend itself if it faces an armed attack or an imminent threat of one.
How it affects you
This mainly shapes what the government can do rather than changing everyday life for most people. However, it matters to military families and service members, since it affects decisions about where and how the military gets deployed. It also reflects an ongoing debate about who gets to decide when America goes to war—the President alone, or Congress alongside the President.
Read the official summary (Introduced in Senate, Oct 16, 2025)
This joint resolution directs the President to terminate the use of U.S. Armed Forces for hostilities within or against Venezuela unless a declaration of war or authorization to use military force for such purpose has been enacted.
The resolution specifies that it shall not be construed to prevent the United States from defending itself from an armed attack or threat of an imminent armed attack.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionS.J.Res. 90
JOINT RESOLUTION
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.
Sponsor: Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) · Introduced Oct 16, 2025 · International Affairs · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Nov 6, 2025: “Motion to discharge Senate Committee on Foreign Relations rejected by Yea-Nay Vote. 49 - 51. Record Vote Number: 608. (consideration: CR S7958)”
How Congress voted
Official roll callsSenate · On the Motion to Discharge · Nov 6, 2025
Motion to Discharge Rejected 49–51
| Party | Yes | No | Didn’t vote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Democrats | 45 | 0 | 0 |
| Independents | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Republicans | 2 | 51 | 0 |
2 members voted against most of their party: 2 Republicans voted Yes.
Source: senate.gov · roll call 608
Congress votes on whole bills and amendments, not on single sections.