The US Senate on Thursday voted 52-47 to block President Donald Trump from further military action in Venezuela.Event Planning Services

 

 

 

The move came less than a week after Trump authorized a strike that captured the country’s leader, Nicolás Maduro.

 

 

 

 

The measure, known as a War Powers Resolution, only needed a simple majority to pass in the Republican-controlled Senate and would require Trump to seek the approval of Congress before using the U.S. military again in Venezuela.

 

 

 

The legislation, led by Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., was co-sponsored by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

 

 

 

 

Five Republicans joined all 47 Democrats in voting yes on the motion to advance the resolution to the Senate floor.

 

 

 

“Instead of responding to Americans’ concerns about the affordability crisis, President Trump started a war with Venezuela that is profoundly disrespectful to U.S. troops, deeply unpopular, suspiciously secretive and likely corrupt. How is that ‘America First?’” Kaine said. “Trump’s war is also clearly illegal because this military action was ordered without the congressional authorization the Constitution requires.”

 

 

 

The procedural motion on Thursday sets up a full Senate vote on the measure next week; that will also require a simple majority and is expected to pass.

 

 

 

“To my Senate colleagues: Enough is enough,” Kaine said. “You were sent here to have courage and to stand up for your constituents. That means no war without a debate and vote in Congress.”