NO BOOTS ON THE GROUND: At least when Eric Swalwell says something dopey, he doesn’t have to feel alone in the House. On Thursday, a bill to “direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress” failed when it resulted in a 215-215 tie. Two Republicans, Thomas Massie (who sponsored it) and Don Bacon (Neb.) joined all the Democrats in supporting it. It might have passed by 215-214, but Speaker Johnson held up the vote until delayed Rep. Wesley Hunt could arrive from the airport, resulting in much screaming and cursing from the Democrats.
What was so stupid about this bill? As Florida Republican Rep. Brian Mast told the House before the vote:
“There are no troops in Venezuela. Let me say it one more time for you all: There are no troops in Venezuela…The U.S. is not at war with Venezuela. I know you all predicted that there’s going to be some forever, protracted war, but we were never at war with Venezuela. There are no boots on the ground. Democrats are asking us to vote on a resolution about a situation that literally does not exist.”
What was so stupid about this bill? As Florida Republican Rep. Brian Mast told the House before the vote:
“There are no troops in Venezuela. Let me say it one more time for you all: There are no troops in Venezuela…The U.S. is not at war with Venezuela. I know you all predicted that there’s going to be some forever, protracted war, but we were never at war with Venezuela. There are no boots on the ground. Democrats are asking us to vote on a resolution about a situation that literally does not exist.”