JUST NOW: The U.S. Senate has officially passed a resolution to block President Trump from taking further military action in Venezuela without congressional approval. But what he did afterward is now causing panic in Congress.

In a bipartisan move, the U.S. Senate voted 62-38 to approve a resolution under the War Powers Act, prohibiting President Donald Trump from escalating military involvement in Venezuela without explicit congressional authorization.

The measure, sponsored by Sens. Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Mike Lee (R-UT), comes amid heightened tensions following reports of U.S. special forces operations near the Venezuelan border and Trump’s recent rhetoric labeling Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro a “national security threat.”

The resolution aims to rein in what critics call unchecked executive power, citing Trump’s 2019 recognition of opposition leader Juan Guaidó and ongoing sanctions.

Proponents argue it prevents a potential quagmire similar to past interventions, while opponents, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), dismissed it as “partisan theater” that weakens America’s stance against socialist regimes.

However, Trump’s immediate reaction has ignited panic on Capitol Hill. Just hours after the vote, the president posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Congress thinks they can tie my hands? Wrong! I’ve just authorized our brave troops to secure the border and remove threats – with or without their blessing.

Venezuela’s oil and freedom are ours to protect!” White House sources confirm Trump signed a classified directive expanding “defensive operations,” potentially including drone strikes, prompting urgent closed-door briefings among lawmakers fearing constitutional overreach and imminent conflict.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) called the move “reckless,” while Democrats vow impeachment proceedings if escalated.

As markets dip on fears of oil disruptions, the White House insists all actions comply with Article II powers. This developing story could test the limits of presidential authority anew. 🚨