On December 17, the US House of Representatives rejected two measures to prevent President Trump from conducting further military strikes involving Venezuela without the approval of Congress, reflecting the deep division between the legislative and executive branches of the right to decide on a war.
With the result of 210-216, the House rejected efforts to force the government to seek Congress's permission before continuing attacks targeting vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.
In the second vote, the rate of 211-213 was also enough to block the resolution to limit the president's right to take military action against Venezuela without permission from the National Assembly.
The measures were driven largely by Democratic lawmakers, along with a small number of Republicans, in an effort to reaffirm the parliaments constitutional role in declaring war and limiting the use of force. This is the latest step after two similar failed attempts in the Senate.
The House of Representatives comes as the Trump administration has increased military and economic pressure on Venezuela. The White House seized a Venezuelan tanker, imposed a blockade on sanctioned oil vessels entering and leaving the country, and expanded its campaign to attack vessels accused of drug trafficking, many of which operate near Venezuelan waters.
Lawmakers say the deployment of US weapons and soldiers close to Venezuela has put the military in a dangerous position without full discussion and approval by the National Assembly. They cited the US Constitution and the 1973, Powers of War Act, which requires the president to ask Congress before sending armed forces to participate or are about to engage in hostile actions.
In contrast, the opposition in the House, mainly Republican lawmakers, said the resolutions would limit the president's power as Commander-in-Chief. They argue that campaigns targeting drug trafficking vessels are legal, necessary, and within the framework of US law as well as international law.
