House Republicans Narrowly Block War Powers Limit in Venezuela
In a significant decision, House Republicans narrowly stopped a resolution that aimed to curtail the executive’s military authority in Venezuela. The 215-215 tie vote on Thursday fell short of the simple majority needed for the measure to pass, dealing a close call to President Trump and a largely supportive GOP conference.
The proposed resolution sought to mandate the withdrawal of any U.S. military presence from Venezuela, requiring presidential action to gain congressional approval.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Rep. Brian Mast emphasized the completion of the U.S. military’s mission in Venezuela, referencing the Jan. 3 operation known as “Operation Absolute Resolve,” which led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. “Operation Absolute Resolve was a law enforcement action,” Mast, R-Fla., stated, reiterating the GOP’s stance, “And President Trump finished the job.”
Despite the resolution’s failure, it garnered support from all Democrats and two Republicans, Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Don Bacon of Nebraska. Proponents argued for Congress’s role in deciding before the U.S. deploys additional military forces to Venezuela.
Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., who led the resolution, criticized the majority’s reluctance to assert congressional war powers, stating, “I guess the best we can get from the current majority here is that there’s never a good time for Congress to assert its war powers.”
The escalation of U.S. military action in Venezuela has stirred unease among both parties in Congress. Some Republicans have expressed concern over the lack of communication from the administration regarding the mission’s details and future plans.
Rep. Thomas Massie voiced his belief in the importance of adhering to constitutional principles, stating, “Our loyalty must be to the Constitution and not to any party. If our country wants war then Congress must vote on it. We are the voice of the people.”
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., speaks alongside Republican Conference Chair Representative Lisa McClain, R-Mich., and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., during a press conference on Capitol Hill Wednesday. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images
