Two Republican congressional lawmakers voted with Democrats on Thursday in an attempt to curb President Donald Trump’s ability to send U.S. troops into Venezuela. The resolution was ultimately defeated.
The narrow outcome underscores Republicans’ thin majority and ongoing resistance to curbing Trump’s authority after a similar Senate measure failed last week when Vice President JD Vance cast a tiebreaking vote, the Associated Press notes.
Newsweek reached out to House Speaker Mike Johnson’s office via email for comment on Thursday night.
Why It Matters
The tied House vote and the Senate’s razor-thin procedural defeat of a similar resolution highlighted potential bipartisan unease over the scope of presidential war powers in Venezuela following the U.S. operation that captured leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife in Caracas earlier this month.
The Trump administration previously told lawmakers there are no U.S. troops on the ground in Venezuela and pledged to seek authorization before major operations, but Democrats argued Congress must reassert its constitutional role after the surprise raid and amid statements about Venezuela’s oil industry, the AP reports.
What To Know
The resolution failed in the House by a 215–215 tie that fell short of the required majority, with GOP leaders holding the vote open more than 20 minutes until Representative Wesley Hunt of Texas returned to cast a decisive vote.
Two Republicans—Representatives Don Bacon of Nebraska and Thomas Massie of Kentucky—joined all Democrats in support of the resolution, led by Democratic Representative Jim McGovern of Massachusetts.
What People Are Saying
Massie, on X earlier this month: “It seems obvious from this video that the administration worked with big U.S. oil companies before the attack to line up billions of dollars in capital for developing Venezuela’s oil reserves, yet they couldn’t be bothered to consult Congress.”
Trump, on Truth Social last week: “This morning I had a very good call with the Interim President of Venezuela, Delcy RodrÃguez. We are making tremendous progress, as we help Venezuela stabilize and recover. Many topics were discussed, including Oil, Minerals, Trade and, of course, National Security. This partnership between the United States of America and Venezuela will be a spectacular one FOR ALL. Venezuela will soon be great and prosperous again, perhaps more so than ever before!”
Progressive Caucus, on X Thursday: “By the tightest margin, Republicans blocked a War Powers Resolution to stop Trump’s illegal military action to take Venezuela’s oil. Trump is losing support in Congress. The American people are sick of foreign conflicts. Progressives will not stop until we end these wars.”
California Democratic Senator Adam Schiff, on X Thursday: “The Trump administration’s scheme to control Venezuelan oil isn’t just imperialist overreach. It will deliver millions of dollars to Big Oil. The American people deserve to know: who in the White House is going to profit?”
What Happens Next
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee next week about relations in the region, the AP reports.
