Senator Markey Statement Decrying Failed Senate Vote on Venezuela War Powers Resolution

Washington (November 6, 2025) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted down Senator Time Kaine's (D-Va.) War Powers Resolution that would have blocked Donald Trump from authorizing military strikes on Venezuela, by a vote of 49-51. The Trump administration has launched 16 strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats in the waters around Venezuela, indiscriminately killing dozens of innocent civilians. The War Powers Resolution serves as Congress' check on the President, requiring the President to consult with Congress within 48 hours of sending U.S. armed forces into hostilities abroad.

"Today, I was proud to once again cast my vote for Senator Kaine's war powers resolution. President Trump is acting against the Constitution by moving toward imminent attacks against Venezuela without Congressional authorization. In doing so, he is risking endless military conflict with Venezuela and steamrolling over the right of every American to have a say in the use of U.S. military force.

"Asserting Congress's constitutional role in war is not some procedural detail; it is fundamental. Our government is based on checks and balances, and Congress's authority to declare war is a core principle of what makes America a democracy. Going to war without consulting the people is what monarchies and dictatorships do. Strong democracies must be willing to debate these issues in the light of day."

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