**Excerpt:** House Democrats are set to vote on two war powers resolutions as President Trump hints at potential military strikes in Venezuela amid rising tensions.
Key Points:
– House Democrats will vote on war powers resolutions regarding military action in Venezuela.
– President Trump has suggested that land strikes against Venezuela could occur “soon.”
– The proposed measures aim to limit presidential military action without congressional approval.
– Bipartisan support is seen for one of the measures, which has GOP co-sponsors.
– The administration claims current military actions do not require Congress’ authorization.
House Votes on War Powers Resolutions
House Democrats are preparing to force votes on two war powers resolutions amid escalating tensions with Venezuela. President Trump has indicated that land strikes against the country could begin “soon,” following a military campaign targeting alleged drug smuggling activities in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.
Proposed Measures
The first resolution, introduced by Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), seeks to withdraw U.S. forces from any hostilities with designated terrorist organizations in the Western Hemisphere unless Congress declares war. A second measure from Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) aims to remove armed forces from actions against Venezuela that lack congressional authorization. Notably, McGovern’s resolution has gained bipartisan support, with three Republican co-sponsors.
Legal Context
Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the president must consult Congress before deploying armed forces into hostilities unless a war declaration exists. However, the White House argues that current strikes do not place service members in harm’s way, thus not requiring congressional consultation.
Congressional Concerns
During a recent briefing, Rep. Meeks criticized the administration for failing to provide clear reasons for not consulting Congress before military actions. He expressed suspicion that the administration’s motives extend beyond drug trafficking, hinting at potential regime change in Venezuela.
Further Escalation
In a related move, President Trump declared the Venezuelan government a “foreign terrorist organization” and announced a “total and complete blockade” of sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela. House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the president’s military actions as constitutionally justified, while other members of Congress urge for proper authorization to ensure accountability.
The House votes follow previous unsuccessful attempts in the Senate to restrict Trump’s military actions regarding drug cartels without congressional consent, with another Senate vote anticipated soon.
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