House Republicans Defeat War Powers Resolution on Venezuela

The U.S. House of Representatives rejected a Democratic-backed war powers resolution in a 215-215 tie on Jan. 16, 2025, with the vote held open until Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Texas, arrived to cast the deciding vote, according to House records.

The resolution would have directed President Donald Trump to remove U.S. Armed Forces from or against Venezuela absent a declaration of war or specific congressional authorization, Democrats said.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., kept the vote open for more than 20 minutes to allow Rep. Wesley Hunt to return, drawing jeers from Democrats and a shouted complaint from Rep. Pat Ryan, D-N.Y., according to House floor video.

Two Republicans, Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., and Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., voted with all House Democrats for the measure, according to the roll-call vote.

Senate Democrats led by Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., demanded transparency about a roughly $250 million oil license to Vitol and said they will press for briefings and oversight, according to a letter to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.