WASHINGTON (December 3, 2025) — Facing President Donald Trump’s recent declaration of Venezuela airspace as closed, a rare bipartisan coalition entered the fray Wednesday with War Powers Resolution filings aimed squarely at preventing potential military escalation. The move represents an unusual convergence on foreign policy limits.
The Senate saw Sen. Rand Paul join forces with three Democrats to file for congressional authorization before any U.S. military action against Venezuela can commence. This effort came just one day after Representative Thomas Massie, backed by two Democratic colleagues, introduced a similar measure in the House of Representatives—both steps designed to bar hostilities absent explicit legislative approval.
“This American people do not welcome being thrust into conflict with Venezuela without due process or public discourse,” Paul stated unequivocally. “We are bound to deliberate before engaging in war.”
Massie echoed these sentiments: “The executive branch lacks constitutional authority for unilateral military deployment against a sovereign nation like Venezuela, especially given the absence of attacks on the United States.” He emphasized that Congress retains sole power over declaring war.
While citing Schumer’s backing, Massie stressed procedural correctness. The filings mark a significant moment when libertarian Republicans and key Democrats unite around constitutional concerns regarding foreign engagement.
The proposed measures face steep hurdles; they require broad consensus across party lines to become operational due to current geopolitical tensions shaping international relations profoundly.
