A resolution commending the United States military action in Venezuela.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 576
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-08: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S117)
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-13T16:42:49Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 576) aims to express the Senate's commendation for a specific U.S. military operation in Venezuela, highlighting its success in capturing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and promoting democratic change in the region.
Key Provisions
- Background Details ("Whereas" Clauses):
- Describes a U.S. military operation on January 3, 2026, in Caracas, Venezuela, codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve, which successfully captured Maduro and Flores without U.S. casualties or prolonged occupation.
- Notes the operation followed months of planning and intelligence, leading to Maduro and Flores being brought to the U.S. to face federal charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy (plotting to use drug trafficking for terrorism), cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession of illegal weapons like machine guns and destructive devices.
- Credits the action with removing Maduro from power and supporting Venezuela's opposition leaders, Edmundo González (described as the duly elected president) and María Corina Machado, to foster liberty and prosperity.
- Praises President Trump, his administration, and the U.S. military for their leadership in executing the operation to deliver justice and protect Americans.
- Resolved Actions:
- Commends the operation for its precision, efficiency, and contribution to reducing instability in Latin America.
- States that the action will support democratic transitions in Venezuela and enhance stability in the Western Hemisphere.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution expressing the Senate's sense or opinion, so it introduces no changes to existing laws, statutes, or regulations. It does not authorize new actions, allocate funds, or amend prior legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Reinforces political support for the U.S. military and executive branch (e.g., Department of Defense and Justice Department) involved in the operation, potentially boosting morale or justifying related expenditures symbolically.
- On Citizens: For U.S. citizens, it underscores national security efforts against drug-related threats; for Venezuelan citizens, it signals U.S. backing for opposition-led change, which could encourage democratic movements but also heighten risks of regional unrest.
- On International Relations: May strengthen U.S. ties with Venezuelan opposition and anti-Maduro allies in Latin America, while straining relations with Maduro supporters or nations viewing the action as interventionist; promotes U.S. leadership in hemispheric stability but could invite criticism over unilateral military actions.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Government and Military: Senators (introduced by Mr. Scott of Florida and co-sponsors), the Trump administration, and U.S. armed forces, who receive commendation.
- Venezuelan Figures and Citizens: Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores (as captured individuals facing U.S. charges); opposition leaders Edmundo González and María Corina Machado; and the broader Venezuelan population, positioned to benefit from potential democratic shifts.
- Regional Actors: Latin American governments and populations affected by instability tied to Venezuela's narcotics and political issues.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Highlights ongoing U.S. federal indictments against Maduro for drug and weapons crimes, affirming the operation's alignment with existing prosecutions but raising questions about extraterritorial enforcement without formal extradition.
- Constitutional: As a commendation of executive military action, it implicitly endorses presidential authority under Article II for national security operations, potentially sidestepping Congress's war powers under Article I; no declaration of war was involved, which could spark debates on checks and balances.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan Senate support (though introduced by Republicans) for a bold foreign policy move, signaling a pro-intervention stance on Latin American dictatorships and drug threats; as a symbolic measure referred to the Foreign Relations Committee, it may influence future U.S. policy or appropriations without binding effect.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (12)
Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR], Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC], Sen. Tuberville, Tommy [R-AL], Sen. Curtis, John R. [R-UT], Sen. Schmitt, Eric [R-MO], Sen. Britt, Katie Boyd [R-AL], Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD], Sen. Lummis, Cynthia M. [R-WY], Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND], Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN], Sen. Mullin, Markwayne [R-OK], Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-08: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S117)
- 2026-01-08: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Commending the United States military action in Venezuela. — issued 2026-01-08 — PDF (2 pages)