Congress is set to reconvene this week after its holiday break, with attention focused on President Donald Trump’s recent military operation in Venezuela. The action, which took place overnight on January 2, resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces and his transport to New York for indictment.
Democratic leaders have voiced concerns about the administration’s approach. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., stated, “Let me be clear: Nicolás Maduro is an illegitimate dictator. But launching military action without congressional authorization and without a credible plan for what comes next is reckless.” Schumer also said, “The administration has assured me three separate times that it was not pursuing regime change or taking military action in Venezuela,” adding, “Clearly, they are not being straight with Americans.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the decision not to seek congressional approval for the operation. On NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Rubio said, “This was not an action that required congressional approval. In fact, it couldn’t require congressional approval, because this was not an invasion. This was not an extended military operation.” He described it as “a very precise operation that involved a couple of hours of action.” Rubio monitored the mission alongside Trump at Mar-a-Lago.
President Trump addressed reporters following the operation and stated that the United States would “run” Venezuela.
Congressional briefings on the matter are expected throughout the week, and there may be calls for public testimony from Rubio and other senior officials.
Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., indicated that additional votes could take place in response to Trump’s actions in Venezuela. The Senate plans to vote on a resolution restricting U.S. military operations in or against Venezuela unless Congress provides authorization.
In addition to foreign policy debates, legislative business will continue as usual. Trump is scheduled to address House Republicans at a Tuesday event at the Kennedy Center—a venue recently criticized for adding Trump’s name to its signage despite legal requirements regarding its official name.
The House will begin its session with a quorum call Tuesday evening and intends to consider legislation related to showerhead water flow standards and energy efficiency rules for manufactured housing. Lawmakers are also finalizing bipartisan spending bills covering Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy-Water, and Interior-Environment departments before current funding expires next month.
Votes may occur on overriding two recent vetoes issued by Trump concerning tribal and water bills just before Christmas.
House Speaker Mike Johnson’s control over this week’s agenda could be challenged if Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries secures enough support for a discharge petition aimed at extending Affordable Care Act health care subsidies for three years.
Senators discussed these subsidy payments during their recess and may revisit them soon.
Other items likely on the Senate floor include confirmation votes for several nominees—Joshua Simmons (CIA general counsel), Alexander Van Hook (federal judge in Louisiana), and Sara Bailey (Office of National Drug Control Policy)—whose nominations were advanced prior to recess with votes scheduled upon return.
At least two disapproval resolutions under expedited Congressional Review Act procedures remain pending: one targeting a Trump administration rule affecting Affordable Care Act marketplaces; another seeking to block an EPA regulation.
