House Rejects Measures to Block Strikes on Venezuela, Drug Smuggling Boats

This comes one day after Trump ordered a blockade on sanctioned oil tankers going to and from Venezuela.
House Rejects Measures to Block Strikes on Venezuela, Drug Smuggling Boats
A go-fast vessel burns the day after the crew of Coast Guard Cutter Diligence (WMEC 616) interdicted the suspected drug smuggling vessel in the Caribbean Sea on Sept. 7, 2025. Courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard
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The U.S. House of Representatives shot down two resolutions that would have forced President Donald Trump to get congressional approval before launching strikes against Venezuela and drug smuggling boats.

Republican lawmakers barely beat back the attempts, rejecting the measures with final votes at 213–211 and 216–210, respectively. This comes just one day after Trump escalated the pressure on President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela, calling his regime a terrorist organization and ordering a blockade on sanctioned oil tankers going to and from the country.

Troy Myers
Troy Myers
Author
Troy Myers is a regional reporter based in St. Augustine, Florida. His background includes breaking, criminal justice, and investigative writing for local news, producing on a national morning newscast in Washington, D.C., and working with an award-winning, weekly investigative news program. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his dog at the beach.