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Rhode Island Senate Condemns Unauthorized Military Actions, Passes Resolution After Floor Debate
Summary
The Rhode Island Senate on Jan. 13, 2026, adopted a resolution condemning unauthorized military actions and extraterritorial seizures, after extended remarks by Senator Acosta; the chamber approved immediate consideration 33–4 and passed the measure 28–9.
The Rhode Island Senate on Jan. 13 adopted a resolution condemning unauthorized military actions taken without congressional approval, citing historical U.S. interventions in Latin America and recent actions described in the resolution as involving the capture and transfer of Venezuela’s president outside traditional extradition processes.
The resolution was introduced by Leader Lita Dela Cruz and, after an objection to immediate consideration, the chamber voted 33–4 to take up the measure that day. The clerk read the resolution in full, which invokes the United States Constitution’s assignment of war powers to Congress and enumerates past U.S. interventions, naming leaders such as Batista, Pinochet and Trujillo as historical examples the text says produced long-term instability (reading of text, SEG 087–106). The text also references a recent action resulting in the capture and transfer of President Nicolás Maduro.
Senator Matthew Acosta delivered an extended floor statement in support of the resolution, placing the resolution in historical and cultural context and urging caution about interventionist policies. "The stars and the stripes take ownership of my flag, and our freedom is nothing more than a harlot," Acosta said in a rhetorical passage during his remarks (SEG 121–125). He argued that past U.S. actions in the region produced long-term consequences and that the United States should avoid repeating those policies.
Acosta moved passage of the resolution; the motion was seconded by Whip Tocquoyan. A recorded vote on the resolution produced 28 votes in favor and 9 against, and the resolution passed (SEG 206–216). The resolution directs the secretary of state to transmit certified copies to the president of the United States, congressional leadership and the Rhode Island congressional delegation.
The resolution is a formal expression of the Senate's stance; it does not change state law or impose sanctions. No subsequent directive to state agencies or follow-up legislative action was recorded in the session.
