US Congress Fails to Limit President Trump’s Military Action in Venezuela

The US House of Representatives rejected a resolution that would have prohibited Donald Trump from conducting new military operations in Venezuela without congressional approval.

According to The New York Times, the vote ended in a rare tie—215 to 215—which, by law, means the initiative failed.

The document was supported by all Democrats, as well as two Republicans – Messie and Don Bacon. At the same time, the Republican leadership mobilized absent deputies to thwart the adoption of the resolution.

Republicans argued that the resolution was unnecessary because “there are no US troops in Venezuela.” Similar statements were made by several other Republicans, who emphasized that the country was not at war with Caracas.

Democrats insisted that the resolution was intended to give Congress the right to control the US military presence in the region.

They pointed to the US aircraft carrier in the Caribbean and the use of military ships to blockade Venezuelan oil. In their view, such actions require the approval of lawmakers.

The author of the resolution, Jim McGovern, was able to put the document to a vote, citing the provisions of the War Powers Act of 1973, which provides for expedited consideration of resolutions to end hostilities.