Washington: The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly defeated a resolution that aimed to restrict President Donald Trump from using military force in Venezuela without explicit congressional approval. The vote, which ended in a 215-215 tie, saw two Republicans joining all 213 Democrats in support of the measure, but it was not enough to pass.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the resolution was spearheaded by House Rules Committee ranking member Jim McGovern, who expressed concern over the lack of oversight and the need for congressional authority in such military actions. "We can't be asleep at the switch -- no oversight, no hearing, no votes, just blind obedience to the executive. That's not the way this place is supposed to run," McGovern stated on the House floor.

Republicans argued that the measure was unnecessary, stating that the United States is not currently at war with Venezuela. This sentiment was echoed earlier in the Senate, where a similar war powers measure was rejected after two Republican senators changed their stance following pressure from the White House.

The backdrop to this legislative action includes a U.S. military operation that took place on January 3, in which Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured. The resolution's defeat highlights ongoing tensions and differing perspectives on the use of military force and executive power within the U.S. government.