Driftsprint

By Anna Commander

Deputy News Editor

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Republican Senators Josh Hawley of Missouri and Todd Young of Indiana were hit with some backlash on Wednesday evening for flipping on a previous vote and ultimately ending the war powers resolution aimed at curbing President Donald Trump's authority.

Newsweek reached out to Hawley's office via email for additional comment.

Why It Matters

The Senate vote on a Venezuela War Powers Resolution and the subsequent reversal by Republican senators has ignited a debate about presidential authority in military interventions and Congress' constitutional role in declaring war.

The controversy centers on President Trump's approach toward Venezuela and broader executive power, exposing divides within the Republican Party and raising questions about potential checks on the presidency. The developments come as President Trump intensifies rhetoric about foreign policy regarding the South American country, Mexico, and Greenland.

What To Know

Earlier this month the Senate initially advanced a resolution designed to curtail President Trump's ability to initiate new military actions in Venezuela without congressional consent. The procedural vote passed 52-47, with five Republican senators—Rand Paul of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Hawley, and Young—siding with Democrats.

On Wednesday's vote, Collins, Murkowski, and Paul voted against terminating the resolution. Vice President JD Vance cast the tie breaking vote.

Former federal prosecutor Joyce Vance reacted to Young and Hawley's vote on X saying, "The signs of possible life among Senate Republicans were apparently just a spasm. Nothing more."

The VoteVets X account also posted, "Pathetic collapse by @HawleyMO and @SenToddYoung. They talked tough on war powers last week but folded the second the pressure turned up. They’ve officially surrendered their Congressional authority to the White House. Rubber stamps, not Senators."

Former Florida State Senator Paula Dockery on X said, "Anyone else not surprised that Hawley caved?"

What People Are Saying

Young on X in part on Wednesday: "After numerous conversations with senior national security officials, I have received assurances that there are no American troops in Venezuela. I’ve also received a commitment that if President Trump were to determine American forces are needed in major military operations in Venezuela, the Administration will come to Congress in advance to ask for an authorization of force."

Trump on Truth Social on Wednesday: "This morning I had a very good call with the Interim President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez. We are making tremendous progress, as we help Venezuela stabilize and recover. Many topics were discussed, including Oil, Minerals, Trade and, of course, National Security. This partnership between the United States of America and Venezuela will be a spectacular one FOR ALL. Venezuela will soon be great and prosperous again, perhaps more so than ever before!"

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This is a developing story that will be updated with additional information.

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