WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

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.

IntroducedInternational Affairs
IntroducedDec 3, 2025
Passed SenateNot yet
Passed HouseNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Introduced. Latest step, Jan 14, 2026: Point of order that the measure is not entitled to expedited procedures under 50 U.S.C. 1546(a) raised against the measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 50 - 50. Record Vote…

What it does

Sourced

This joint resolution directs the President to terminate the use of U.S. Armed Forces for hostilities within or against Venezuela unless a declaration of war or authorization to use military force for such purpose has been enacted. The joint resolution specifies that it shall not be construed to prevent the United States from defending itself from an armed attack or threat of an imminent armed attack.

Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in Senate, Dec 3, 2025).

Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

What has happened

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  1. Dec 3, 2025Introduced in SenateLibrary of Congress

Show all 8 recorded actions

Recorded votes

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  1. Jan 8, 2026 · SenateMotion to Discharge Agreed to 52–47
    On the Motion to Discharge · needed a majority
    R 5 yes, 47 noI 2 yes, 0 noD 45 yes, 0 noEach member · Record
  2. Jan 14, 2026 · SenatePoint of Order Well Taken 50–50
    On the Point of Order · needed a majority
    R 50 yes, 3 noI 0 yes, 2 noD 0 yes, 45 noEach member · Record

Cosponsors

  • Angela D. Alsobrooks D-MD
  • Tammy Baldwin D-WI
  • Michael F. Bennet D-CO
  • Richard Blumenthal D-CT
  • Cory A. Booker D-NJ
  • Maria Cantwell D-WA
  • Christopher A. Coons D-DE
  • Catherine Cortez Masto D-NV
  • Tammy Duckworth D-IL
  • Ruben Gallego D-AZ
  • Kirsten E. Gillibrand D-NY
  • Martin Heinrich D-NM
Show 18 more cosponsors
  • Mazie K. Hirono D-HI
  • Andy Kim D-NJ
  • Ben Ray Luján D-NM
  • Edward J. Markey D-MA
  • Jeff Merkley D-OR
  • Christopher Murphy D-CT
  • Patty Murray D-WA
  • Alex Padilla D-CA
  • Rand Paul R-KY
  • Gary C. Peters D-MI
  • Jacky Rosen D-NV
  • Bernard Sanders I-VT
  • Brian Schatz D-HI
  • Adam B. Schiff D-CA
  • Charles E. Schumer D-NY
  • Chris Van Hollen D-MD
  • Peter Welch D-VT
  • Ron Wyden D-OR