Proposed legislation related to separation of powers: Democratic versus Republican viewpoints

The single-most important thing going on in DC right now.

S.J.Res.98 - A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress.
Introduced December 3, 2025 by Tim Kaine (D-VA). Cosponsored by 28 Democrats (including John Fetterman-PA), 1 Independent (Bernie Sanders-VT), and 1 Republican (Rand Paul-KY). Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day.
January 8, 2026, motion to discharge Senate Committee on Foreign Relations made and passed 52-47. Placed on Senate agenda the same day. Republicans who joined Bernie Sanders and Rand Paul: Susan Collins-ME, Josh Hawley-MO, Lisa Murkowski-AK, Jack Reed-RI. Also Angus King (I-ME) voted yea, as did 100% of Democratic senators. Dave McCormick (R-PA) voted nay.
January 8, 2026, placed on Senate legislative calendar under general orders. At this point, we were all expecting a vote week ending January 17, 2026.
January 14, 2026.Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate. Point of order that the measure is not entitled to expedited procedures under 50 U.S.C. 1546(a) against the measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 50 - 50. Susan Collins and Rand Paul voted with the Democrats (Josh Hawley, Lisa Murkowski, and Jack Reed showed their true colors and voted with MAGA). Vance cast the tie-breaking vote that killed the resolution.

Samples of Republican bills that seek to codify Trump’s Executive Orders.

H.R.5014 - To codify Executive Order 14331 on fair banking. August 22, 2025.

H.R.3677 - Executive Order 14292 Act of 2025. August 3, 2025.

H.R.4728 - To codify Executive Order 14280 relating to reinstating commonsense school discipline policies. July 23, 2025.

H.R.3799 - Executive Order 14286 Act of 2025. To codify the executive order relating to Enforcing Commonsense Rules of the Road for America’s Truck Drivers. June 6, 2025.

H.R.2453 - To continue Executive Order 14224 in effect indefinitely. March 27, 2025.

H.R.989 - To codify Executive Order 11246 titled “Equal Employment Opportunity.” February 5, 2025.

Samples of Democratic bills.

H.R.5220 - Congressional Power of the Purse Act. To strengthen and enhance the congressional power of the purse. September 9, 2025.

H.R.3908 - National Emergencies Reform Act of 2025. To amend the National Emergencies Act to improve checks and balances. June 11, 2025.

H.R.1781 - To repeal certain executive orders. March 3, 2025.

H.R.1535 - BAD DOGE Act. To repeal President Donald Trump’s January 20, 2025, Executive Order titled “Establishing and Implementing the President’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency.’” February 24, 2025.

For proposed bills by Republicans and Democrats, these are merely samples of a much larger scope of legislation. Republicans focus (to date, unsuccessfully) on codifying Trump's executive orders. Democrats are trying to nullify the same EOs.

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