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.

Senate Joint Resolution

S.J.Res. 98

119th Congress

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.

In Committee

Introduced:Dec 3, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Timothy Kaine

D - VA

Cosponsors

3

Quick Stats

Policy Area

International Affairs

Summary

This joint resolution directs the President to terminate use of U.S. Armed Forces for hostilities in or against Venezuela unless authorized by Congress through a declaration of war or specific statutory authorization. It invokes War Powers Resolution procedures, asserting Congress's constitutional authority over military action.

Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This joint resolution directs the President to terminate use of U.S. Armed Forces for hostilities in or against Venezuela unless authorized by Congress through a declaration of war or specific statutory authorization. It invokes War Powers Resolution procedures, asserting Congress's constitutional authority over military action.

Last updated: 12/27/2025

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Invokes War Powers Resolution to require congressional authorization for Venezuela operations
Cites Article I constitutional authority of Congress to declare war
Notes Congress has not authorized military force against Venezuela
Directs President to terminate unauthorized military hostilities
Preserves right of self-defense against armed attack
Uses expedited procedures under section 1013 of State Department Authorization Act

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Affects executive-legislative balance on war powers, U.S. military personnel potentially deployed to Venezuela, Venezuelan civilians in conflict zones, and broader U.S. policy toward Latin America. Represents bipartisan effort (Kaine, Paul) to reassert congressional war powers.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

International Affairs

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

98, 119th Congress (2025). "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.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/119-sjres-98