The United States House of Representatives narrowly rejected this Wednesday (17) two resolutions that sought to contain President Donald Trump’s advances against Venezuela, amid increased tension between the two countries.
The votes took place hours before Trump’s address to the nation, scheduled for 11pm Brasília time. The speech is expected to focus on major victories during his term, but the president may also address foreign policy priorities.
The Republican-majority House voted 216 against and 210 in favor of a resolution sponsored by Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
The text proposed withdrawing the US military from hostilities with “any presidentially designated terrorist organization in the Western Hemisphere” unless the measure was authorized by Congress.
The resolution sponsored by Jim McGovern of Massachusetts, the top Democrat on the House Rules Committee, had 213 votes against and 211 in favor. The rejected text instructed the president to withdraw US forces from hostilities against Venezuela without authorization from Congress.
United States increases pressure against Venezuela
The United States sent aircraft, vehicles, thousands of soldiers and an Armed Forces aircraft carrier strike group to the Caribbean, under the premise of combating drug trafficking.
The operations include several attacks against boats believed to be transporting drugs.
However, questions were raised about the legality of these actions.
In addition to attacks against vessels, the US is also putting pressure on the regime, which is accused by the White House of being linked to drug trafficking and the Los Soles Cartel.
According to sources consulted by CNNDonald Trump’s government is drawing up plans for “the day after” Maduro’s ouster, but a decision has not yet been made on a direct attack on the country.
Trump spoke by phone with Maduro in late November, just days before the US classified him as a member of a foreign terrorist organization. The Venezuelan would have received an ultimatum to leave power and the country, but he failed to comply.
In another action that increased tension between the two countries, the United States seized one near Venezuela, a measure classified as “blatant theft” and “an act of international piracy” by the Maduro regime.
Trump later announced a “total blockade” against Venezuela’s sanctioned oil tankers and said he will not let “anyone pass without due rights.”
