House Rejects Measure to Limit Trump’s Military Powers on Venezuela

The House of Representatives voted against a bipartisan resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump‘s authority to use military force against Venezuela. On the evening of October 25, 2023, lawmakers rejected the war powers resolution by a vote of 211 to 213. This resolution sought to prevent Trump from engaging in military action against Venezuela without congressional approval.

The failed resolution follows Trump’s recent designation of the Venezuelan government, led by President Nicolás Maduro, as a foreign terrorist organization. Trump has also ordered a “total and complete blockade” of sanctioned oil tankers entering and exiting the country. Under U.S. law, Congress holds the power to restrict the president’s ability to deploy military actions without explicit legislative consent.

The resolution was sponsored by Democratic Representative Jim McGovern from Massachusetts, gaining unexpected support from two prominent Republicans known for their anti-intervention stance: Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Thomas Massie of Kentucky. Additionally, moderate Republican Don Bacon from Nebraska, who has been critical of Trump, co-sponsored the measure. The only Democratic lawmaker to oppose it was Henry Cuellar, who recently received a pardon from Trump related to federal bribery charges.

Massie expressed concerns over the concentration of military power in the hands of a single individual, stating, “When war-making power devolves to one person, liberty dissolves.” He emphasized the need for Congress to deliberate and vote before any attempts at regime change are made.

In contrast, Florida Representative Brian Mast, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, argued that the president does not require congressional permission for “precise, limited strikes.” This perspective reflects a broader debate about the scope of executive power in military matters.

Trump has significantly increased U.S. military presence in the region, with over 15,000 troops deployed around Venezuela. His administration has conducted a sustained campaign against alleged Venezuelan drug vessels, reportedly resulting in the deaths of nearly 100 traffickers in more than two dozen military strikes. Trump has indicated that Maduro’s “days are numbered” and has suggested that ground operations could be imminent.

The House also turned down a separate resolution proposed by Democratic Representative Gregory Meeks from New York. This proposal aimed to restrict the president from using force against any entity designated as a foreign terrorist organization in the Western Hemisphere without congressional authorization. The vote on this measure concluded at 210 to 216.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed support for the administration’s escalating pressure on Maduro. When queried about whether the Trump administration aims for regime change in Venezuela, Thune remarked, “I think Maduro is a cancer on that continent.”

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles provided insight into Trump’s strategy in a recent interview with Vanity Fair. She noted that Trump is determined to escalate military actions until Maduro capitulates, while also acknowledging that congressional approval would be necessary for any large-scale land operations.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of these decisions on U.S.-Venezuela relations remain significant, drawing attention from both lawmakers and international observers.