Congress Says No to Limiting Trump's Venezuela Actions

In a move that surprised many, the House of Representatives recently turned down two proposals. These proposals aimed to restrict 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 from both sides of the aisle have been worried. They question the legality and impact of the boat strikes. They also 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. This decision came just after Trump announced a "complete blockade" on oil tankers. These tankers are 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.The House's decision was seen as a win for Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson. They 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 were brought forward by Democratic Representatives Jim McGovern and Gregory W. Meeks. They used a provision from the 1973 War Powers Act. This act speeds up the process for considering resolutions to end military actions. Meeks' resolution specifically targeted the strikes against vessels. It aimed 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.