Senate Rebuke of Trump Foreign Policy

Recently, the administration’s foreign policy, particularly over the last few weeks, has caused frustration among Democrats and posed challenges for some Republicans in Congress.

In a rare public disagreement with President Trump, five Republican senators—Collins (R-ME), Hawley (R-MO), Murkowski (R-AK), Paul (R-KY), and Young (R-IN)—voted last week to move forward with consideration of a Senate war powers resolution. This resolution would require the President to obtain congressional approval before initiating any new military action in Venezuela. President Trump reacted strongly, stating that these senators should never be re-elected. The Senate will hold another procedural vote on the resolution this week, which will be followed by a debate and consideration of amendments, and then a final vote. However, even if the resolution passes, it would be largely symbolic for President Trump—House Republicans may not challenge him in the same way, and the measure lacks enough support to override a presidential veto.