The resolution that was passed expresses the sense of the Senate and doesn't have the force of law, but its 51-48 passage is unwelcome news for the president.
It is not subject to veto.
Out of curiosity, I just looked up Senate resolutions. There are three main types of resolutions in the U.S. Congress: simple resolutions, concurrent resolutions, and joint resolutions. Each has a different purpose and legal standing, which determines whether a presidential veto applies. I didn't know any of this and thought you might find it interesting in our efforts to understand what this beast in Washington does...
- Simple Resolutions: These are passed by either the Senate or the House alone (e.g., S. Res. or H. Res.) and typically address internal matters, like setting procedural rules, expressing the chamber’s opinion, or recognizing events (e.g., honoring a historical figure). Because simple resolutions do not have the force of law and don’t require action by the other chamber or the President, they are not subject to a presidential veto. For example, a Senate resolution condemning a foreign action or celebrating a national holiday doesn’t go to the President’s desk.
- Concurrent Resolutions: These are passed by both the Senate and the House (e.g., H. Con. Res. or S. Con. Res.) and are used for matters affecting both chambers, like setting the congressional budget, adjourning Congress, or expressing a joint sentiment (e.g., a statement on climate change). Like simple resolutions, concurrent resolutions generally do not have the force of law, so they are not presented to the President for approval and cannot be vetoed. An exception exists if the resolution is used to create legally binding obligations under a prior law, but this is rare and typically involves joint resolutions instead.
- Joint Resolutions: These are passed by both chambers and, in most cases, have the force of law, requiring presidential approval (e.g., H.J. Res. or S.J. Res.). Joint resolutions are often used for limited matters, like authorizing military action, amending the Constitution, or making temporary appropriations. Because they are legally binding, joint resolutions are sent to the President, who can sign or veto them under Article I, Section 7 of the U.S. Constitution, just like a bill. For example, the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), passed as a joint resolution (S.J. Res. 23), was signed by President George W. Bush. If vetoed, Congress can override with a two-thirds majority in both chambers.