To prohibit the use of funds to use military force in or against Venezuela, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6915
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-19: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-25T08:05:44Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation, H.R. 6915, aims to prevent the U.S. government from using federal funds for military actions in or against Venezuela without explicit congressional approval, thereby limiting unauthorized military interventions and reinforcing congressional oversight of war powers.
Key Provisions
- Funding Prohibition: No federal funds may be used for military force in or against Venezuela from the date of enactment until December 31, 2026, unless Congress either declares war or passes a specific law authorizing such action that complies with the War Powers Resolution (a 1973 law requiring the President to notify Congress within 48 hours of committing armed forces to hostilities and limiting engagements without approval).
- Exception: The prohibition does not apply if the military action is necessary to repel a sudden armed attack against the U.S., its territories, possessions, or armed forces, as outlined in section 2(c) of the War Powers Resolution.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This bill introduces a temporary funding restriction (through 2026) that builds on the War Powers Resolution by explicitly tying military actions against Venezuela to congressional authorization, potentially closing loopholes for executive-led operations without new legislation.
- It does not alter the core War Powers Resolution but adds a targeted fiscal barrier, making unauthorized actions more difficult by withholding funds.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of Defense and other executive branch entities would face restrictions on planning or executing military operations in Venezuela, requiring congressional buy-in for any escalation, which could delay or prevent actions.
- Citizens: U.S. taxpayers' funds would be protected from being spent on unauthorized military engagements, potentially reducing risks of involvement in foreign conflicts.
- International Relations: Signals U.S. restraint toward Venezuela, possibly easing tensions with the Venezuelan government (officially the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela) and Latin American allies, but could limit U.S. leverage in addressing issues like human rights or regional stability.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Congress: Gains reinforced authority over military decisions, empowering lawmakers to control foreign policy through funding.
- Executive Branch (President and Military): Faces limitations on unilateral actions, shifting power dynamics toward legislative oversight.
- Venezuelan Government and Citizens: Protected from potential U.S. military intervention, though it may influence diplomatic negotiations or sanctions.
- U.S. Advocacy Groups and Bipartisan Supporters: Includes cosponsors from both parties focused on foreign affairs, indicating support from those prioritizing de-escalation in Latin America.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: Reinforces the Constitution's allocation of war powers (Article I gives Congress the power to declare war, while Article II makes the President Commander-in-Chief), addressing ongoing debates about executive overreach in military matters without challenging the War Powers Resolution directly.
- Political: As a bipartisan bill introduced by Representatives like Seth Moulton, it reflects concerns over avoiding new conflicts amid domestic priorities, but its temporary nature (ending in 2026) could spark debates on permanence; referral to Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees suggests rigorous review on national security grounds.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (32)
Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9], Rep. Meeks, Gregory W. [D-NY-5], Rep. Himes, James A. [D-CT-4], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Crow, Jason [D-CO-6], Rep. Golden, Jared F. [D-ME-2], Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6], Rep. Auchincloss, Jake [D-MA-4], Rep. Ryan, Patrick [D-NY-18], Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17], Rep. Cisneros, Gilbert Ray [D-CA-31], Rep. Goodlander, Maggie [D-NH-2], Rep. Tran, Derek [D-CA-45], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2], Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8], Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32], Rep. Sorensen, Eric [D-IL-17], Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37], Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-4], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12], Rep. Trahan, Lori [D-MA-3], Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18], Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7], Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2], Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7], Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6], Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-19: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-12-19: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-12-19: Introduced in House
- 2025-12-19: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To prohibit the use of funds to use military force in or against Venezuela, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-12-19 — PDF (2 pages)