The US House of Representatives narrowly rejected two Democratic-backed resolutions aimed at restraining President Donald Trump’s escalating campaign against Venezuela, as Washington intensifies what it calls a “maximum pressure” strategy. Framed as part of a war on drugs, the campaign has included a growing US military buildup near Venezuela, attacks on boats, and reports that the administration is seeking control over the country’s oil production. Despite criticism from some lawmakers, both measures failed in votes held on Wednesday.

The first resolution, introduced by Representative Gregory Meeks, sought to block US armed forces from engaging in hostilities with any presidentially designated terrorist organization in the Western Hemisphere without congressional approval. It was defeated 216 to 210. A second resolution, sponsored by Representative Jim McGovern, would have required Trump to end US hostilities against Venezuela unless authorized by Congress, but it was voted down 213 to 211. Voting largely followed party lines, with only a handful of lawmakers crossing over on either side.

The votes came as Trump ordered what officials described as a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers linked to Venezuela, while US forces have carried out more than two dozen strikes on alleged drug boats since early September, killing at least 99 people. Senior figures, including Trump ally Stephen Miller, have openly claimed that Venezuela’s oil “belongs” to the United States, arguing that its nationalization amounted to theft. Legal experts have rejected that position, stressing that under international law Venezuela’s oil resources belong to the sovereign state, not Washington.