House rejects resolutions to limit Trump's campaign against Venezuela

WASHINGTON — US House Republicans rejected a pair of Democratic-backed resolutions on Wednesday that would have put a check on President Donald Trump's power to use military force against drug cartels and the nation of Venezuela.

Democrats forced the votes using war powers resolutions as the Trump administration has stepped up threats against Caracas and Congress has questioned how the United States military is conducting a campaign that has destroyed 26 vessels allegedly carrying drugs and killed at least 99 people, including an attack on Wednesday.

The legislation would have forced the administration to seek authorization from Congress before continuing attacks against cartels that it deems to be terrorist organizations in the Western Hemisphere or launching an attack on Venezuela itself.