US House Rejects Measure to Block Military Action Against Venezuela
The US House of Representatives has voted down a resolution that sought to limit the president’s authority to carry out military action against Venezuela without congressional approval. The Venezuela War Powers Resolution failed by a narrow margin of 211–213, with nine lawmakers not voting, effectively preserving the executive branch’s freedom of action amid rising tensions.
The measure was introduced in response to recent escalatory rhetoric, including President Donald Trump’s announcement of a “total and complete blockade” of Venezuela. Supporters of the resolution argued that any US military engagement must be explicitly authorized by Congress, in line with its constitutional role. Representative Thomas Massie, who backed the proposal, said it was meant to reaffirm Congress’s authority over decisions of war and peace and to prevent unilateral military action.
With the resolution’s defeat, no new legal restrictions were imposed on the White House regarding potential military operations against Venezuela. The outcome underscores deep divisions in Congress over foreign policy oversight and leaves the administration with broad discretion as tensions between Washington and Caracas continue to intensify.
