Republicans Ripped For Flipping on Trump War Powers Effort

Source: Newsweek

Jan 14, 2026 at 07:36 PM EST


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.

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/republicans-ripped-for-flipping-on-trump-war-powers-effort-11362864

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