Did Susan Collins vote against limiting the president’s authority to attack Venezuela? | Fact brief

On Nov. 6, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, voted against a Senate resolution that would have limited the president’s authority to use U.S. armed forces in or against Venezuela without congressional approval.

The measure, introduced by Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., sought to require such authorization for military action related to Venezuela amid ongoing actions by the Trump administration, including vessel interceptions and strikes that have killed at least 105 people. The resolution failed, 49-51.

Collins’ spokesperson Blake Kernen said her vote did not authorize new military action or an attack on Venezuela, which she opposes. Kernen said Collins objected to what she viewed as overly broad language and argued the resolution could undermine U.S. counter-narcotics efforts.

Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, voted in favor of the resolution. A similar measure failed by 211-213 in the House on Dec. 17. Reps. Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden, both Democrats, voted in favor.