By Micah Jonah
January 28, 2026
U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, on Wednesday appeared before the Senate to defend President Donald Trump’s Venezuela policy, following growing concerns among lawmakers over the administration’s military actions and lack of congressional consultation.
Rubio, a former senator, testified after intense efforts by the White House to prevent lawmakers from passing a resolution that would limit Trump’s authority to deploy U.S. forces in Venezuela without congressional approval.
The hearing marked Rubio’s first public appearance before lawmakers since the January 3 raid in which U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro. The session attracted a packed audience, with additional security warnings issued against possible disruptions.
Two weeks earlier, Republicans narrowly blocked a war powers resolution after Vice President JD Vance cast the deciding vote, amid pressure from Trump and senior officials who insisted there were no U.S. troops occupying Venezuela.
In his prepared remarks, Rubio defended the military operation, stating that the United States was not at war with Venezuela and had no intention of long term occupation. He added that Washington was prepared to apply force if diplomatic efforts failed to restore stability.
Lawmakers from both parties, however, expressed frustration over what they described as poor communication from the administration regarding the raid and broader foreign policy decisions.
Democratic Senator Chris Coons said the administration failed to provide sufficient evidence to justify acting without consulting Congress, stressing that constitutional procedures were ignored.
Meanwhile, Republican Senate Chairman Jim Risch said the hearing provided an opportunity for the administration to clearly outline its strategy for Venezuela, noting that many Americans remain concerned about prolonged foreign conflicts.
The close Senate vote reflected growing debate in Washington over the balance of power between Congress and the presidency in authorising military action abroad.
