Graham: “The commander in chief is the commander in chief.” Collins: “I supported the operation but oppose future operations.”
WASHINGTON — The Senate advanced a war powers resolution Thursday aimed at limiting President Trump’s authority to conduct military operations in Venezuela, revealing a split among Republicans over whether presidents can invade foreign countries without congressional approval.
Democrats argue the Constitution requires authorization. Republicans say it depends on the country.
“The commander in chief is the commander in chief. They can use military force,” said Senator Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a close Trump ally who traveled with the president aboard Air Force One following the Venezuela operation. Graham said he would be “comfortable” with Trump taking over additional countries, including Greenland, without congressional approval.
Senator Susan Collins, R-Maine, took a different view, voting to advance the resolution while praising the operation it seeks to constrain.
“While I support the operation to seize Nicolas Maduro, which was extraordinary in its precision and complexity, I do not support committing additional U.S. forces or entering into any long-term military involvement without specific congressional authorization,” Collins said in a statement.
Both Sides Cite Constitution
Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., who forced the war powers vote senate procedure, argued that Article I clearly grants Congress the authority to declare war.
“It’s time for Congress to assert its control over military action of this kind,” Kaine said.
Graham disagreed, citing Article II.
“Article II is very clear,” Graham said. “The president is the commander in chief. That means he commands.”
Constitutional scholars note that both articles exist simultaneously, though lawmakers appeared to treat them as mutually exclusive.
Greenland Complicates Debate
The resolution gained urgency after White House officials suggested military force remains an option for acquiring Greenland, a territory of NATO ally Denmark.
Senator Rand Paul, R-Ky., said Republicans discussed Greenland at their Wednesday luncheon and he heard “zero support” for military action against the island. Senator Tillis called such rhetoric “amateurish.”
Graham, however, maintained his position.
“Greenland is different,” Graham acknowledged. “It’s a NATO ally. But the principle is the same. The commander in chief commands.”
Senator Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., announced he is preparing a separate resolution specifically to block military action against Greenland.
“We must stop him before he invades another country on a whim,” Gallego wrote on X. “No more forever wars.”
The war powers resolution will require a final vote before heading to the House, where its prospects remain unclear. Republicans control both chambers.
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