S.J.Res. 98 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the Senate, Dec 3, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryRequires congressional approval for military actions in Venezuela
This joint resolution would direct the President to stop using U.S. Armed Forces in any hostilities involving Venezuela unless Congress has formally declared war or authorized military action. The resolution includes an exception: the U.S. could still defend itself against armed attacks or immediate threats of attack without waiting for congressional approval.
How it affects you
This doesn't have a direct day-to-day effect on most Americans. It's about how decisions get made at the government level—specifically, it would require Congress to approve any military involvement with Venezuela rather than allowing the President to act alone. Members of the military and their families might feel this differently depending on their views about military deployment decisions.
Read the official summary (Introduced in Senate, Dec 3, 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 joint 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. 98
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 Dec 3, 2025 · International Affairs · 2 versions of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Jan 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.”
How Congress voted
Official roll callsSenate · On the Point of Order · Jan 14, 2026
Point of Order Well Taken 51–50
Senators split 50–50. The Vice President of the United States broke the tie by voting Yes.
| Party | Yes | No | Didn’t vote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Democrats | 0 | 45 | 0 |
| Independents | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Republicans | 50 | 3 | 0 |
3 members voted against most of their party: 3 Republicans voted No.
Source: senate.gov · roll call 9
Congress votes on whole bills and amendments, not on single sections.
Sections
The wording of this bill hasn’t changed across its 2 official versions.