Bill Summary
The "Prohibiting Unauthorized Military Action in Venezuela Act of 2025" aims to restrict the use of U.S. Armed Forces in military actions related to Venezuela without explicit congressional approval. The legislation prohibits the use of Department of Defense funds for hostilities against Venezuela unless authorized by a specific law enacted after this Act or in accordance with the War Powers Resolution.
Key provisions include:
1. A clear ban on military hostilities regarding Venezuela, with exceptions for self-defense, protection of U.S. personnel, lawful counternarcotics operations, and humanitarian aid.
2. A definition of "hostilities" that encompasses any use of lethal force by U.S. forces.
3. An affirmation that this Act does not override the requirements set forth in the War Powers Resolution.
Overall, the bill seeks to ensure that military engagement in Venezuela is subject to legislative oversight, reflecting a commitment to uphold constitutional checks and balances regarding military action.
Possible Impacts
The "Prohibiting Unauthorized Military Action in Venezuela Act of 2025" could affect people in several ways:
1. **Enhanced Diplomatic Focus**: By prohibiting unauthorized military action, the legislation may encourage the U.S. government to pursue diplomatic solutions and dialogue with Venezuela rather than military intervention. This could lead to improved relations, potentially benefiting Venezuelan citizens by fostering stability and reducing the risk of conflict.
2. **Protection of U.S. Personnel**: The law allows for actions to defend U.S. citizens and military personnel from armed attacks. This provision ensures that U.S. military forces can still protect themselves and U.S. interests while limiting broader military engagements, which could reduce the risk of unintended escalation in violence that might affect both Venezuelan and American lives.
3. **Humanitarian Aid**: The legislation explicitly permits providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Venezuela. This could lead to increased support for Venezuelan citizens suffering from economic and social hardships, potentially improving their living conditions and offering relief in times of crisis.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 3344 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 3344
To prohibit the unauthorized use of United States Armed Forces in
hostilities with respect to Venezuela.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
December 4, 2025
Mr. Merkley (for himself, Mr. Kaine, and Mr. Van Hollen) introduced the
following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on
Foreign Relations
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To prohibit the unauthorized use of United States Armed Forces in
hostilities with respect to Venezuela.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Prohibiting Unauthorized Military
Action in Venezuela Act of 2025''.
SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON USE OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES TO CONDUCT
HOSTILITIES WITH RESPECT TO VENEZUELA.
(a) Prohibition.--None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made
available for the Department of Defense, or for any other department or
agency of the United States Government, may be used to conduct
hostilities with respect to Venezuela, except--
(1) pursuant to a specific statutory authorization enacted
after the date of the enactment of this Act; or
(2) pursuant to a congressional authorization consistent
with section 2(c) of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C.
1541(c)).
(b) Rules of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to prevent the United States from--
(1) acting to defend itself or its citizens from an armed
attack or the threat of an imminent armed attack;
(2) acting to defend the United States Armed Forces or
United States personnel from an armed attack;
(3) conducting lawful counternarcotics operations that do
not constitute hostilities; or
(4) providing humanitarian assistance to the people of
Venezuela.
(c) Hostilities Defined.--In this section, the term ``hostilities''
means any situation involving any use of lethal or potentially lethal
force by United States forces, whether such force is deployed remotely
and irrespective of the intermittency thereof.
(d) Relation to the War Powers Resolution.--Nothing in this section
supersedes any requirement of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1541
et seq.).
<all>