Congress Says No to Limiting Trump's Venezuela Actions

In a move that surprised many, the House of Representatives recently turned down two proposals aimed at restricting President Trump's ability to launch strikes inside Venezuela and to require congressional approval before any military action. The votes were mostly along party lines, showing a clear divide in opinion.

Lawmakers' Concerns

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have been worried. They question the legality and impact of the boat strikes and express concern about the lack of consultation with Congress. There's a fear that Trump's actions could lead to a bigger conflict in the region.

Trump's "Complete Blockade"

This decision came just after Trump announced a "complete blockade" on oil tankers linked to Venezuela, adding more pressure on President Nicolás Maduro. The blockade is part of a broader strategy to put economic and political pressure on Maduro's government.

A Win for Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson

The House's decision was seen as a win for Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson, who have been working hard to keep their party united. They have taken steps to avoid votes that could challenge the president's authority.

The Proposals

The proposals were brought forward by Democratic Representatives Jim McGovern and Gregory W. Meeks. They used a provision from the 1973 War Powers Act, which speeds up the process for considering resolutions to end military actions.

Meeks' resolution specifically targeted the strikes against vessels, aiming to stop these strikes unless Congress or a declaration of war authorized them. The rejection of these resolutions has left many wondering about the future of U.S. involvement in Venezuela.