UPDATE: A critical debate erupted in the US House of Representatives on December 17, 2025, as Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Thomas Massie, publicly challenged President Donald Trump‘s aggressive military strategy toward Venezuela. Massie’s urgent call for Congressional approval before any military action comes amid rising tensions and escalating hostilities in South America.
Massie emphasized that the framers of the Constitution intended for Congress, not the President, to have the power to declare war. “If the president believes military action against Venezuela is justified, he should present his case, and Congress should vote before American lives and resources are committed to regime change,” he stated on the House floor.
This urgent address follows Trump’s recent announcement of a “total and complete blockade” of sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela, which he claimed is necessary to combat drug trafficking. However, critics like Massie argue that this narrative is a guise for pursuing oil interests and regime change, reminiscent of past failures in Iraq and Libya. “This is about oil and regime change,” he asserted, underscoring the need for Congressional oversight.
Massie’s sentiments were echoed by Rep. Ilhan Omar, who condemned the administration’s rush to military action. “This is not about drugs; this is about regime change,” Omar declared, reinforcing the idea that the legal authority for military engagement lies with Congress. She called for the passage of the War Powers Resolution to reassert legislative authority over military actions.
The debate centered around two resolutions aimed at constraining Trump’s military options in Venezuela. The first resolution demands that the President remove US armed forces from hostilities against any presidentially designated terrorist organization in the Western Hemisphere without explicit Congressional authorization. The second resolution specifically targets military actions within Venezuela.
Trump’s administration has ramped up military pressures, beginning with the bombing of alleged drug trafficking boats and seizing an oil tanker earlier this month. The President has been vocal about reclaiming US oil rights in Venezuela, stating, “They took our oil rights. We had a lot of oil there. They threw our companies out. And we want it back.”
As tensions escalate, the potential humanitarian impact on Venezuelan citizens remains a grave concern. The ongoing situation calls for immediate attention as Congress grapples with its constitutional responsibilities amidst a backdrop of increasing military threats.
The outcome of this debate could not only affect US-Venezuela relations but may also shape the geopolitical landscape in South America. Observers are urged to remain vigilant as developments unfold, particularly regarding Congressional responses to the administration’s military strategies.
For further updates, stay tuned as we follow this urgent situation closely.
