The U.S. House of Representatives failed to pass a resolution Thursday that aimed to block then-President Donald Trump from deploying U.S. military forces to Venezuela. The vote on the Democratic-backed resolution ended in a tie, falling short of the majority needed for passage.
The outcome highlighted the challenges faced by then-House Speaker Mike Johnson in maintaining party unity and also reflected growing unease within the Republican party regarding the Trump administration's policies in Latin America. Republican leaders kept the vote open for over 20 minutes to secure the necessary votes to defeat the resolution.
The resolution was introduced amid concerns about potential U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, which was experiencing political and economic instability. Proponents of the resolution argued that Congress should have a say in any decision to send troops to the region, citing constitutional checks and balances. Opponents maintained that the president should have the authority to act swiftly to protect U.S. interests and respond to threats in the Western Hemisphere.
A similar resolution in the Senate also resulted in a tie the previous week, which was broken by Senator JD Vance. The resolutions were largely symbolic, as they would likely have faced a veto from then-President Trump. However, supporters hoped to send a message to the administration about the importance of congressional oversight on matters of war and peace.
The failed vote in the House underscored the deep divisions within Congress on foreign policy issues, particularly regarding the use of military force. The debate over U.S. involvement in Venezuela reflected broader concerns about the role of the United States in the region and the potential consequences of intervention.
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