A GOP lawmaker’s absence nearly handed Democrats a major victory in their ongoing efforts to hamstring President Donald Trump’s authority to secure the Western Hemisphere, according to a Fox News report that highlights the razor-thin margins and internal distractions plaguing House Republicans.
On Thursday, the House took up a resolution that would have directed President Trump to remove any U.S. military forces from Venezuela and restricted his war powers in the region. Democrats and some critics have framed recent U.S. actions—such as operations leading to the capture of Nicolás Maduro—as unauthorized “wars” or impeachable offenses, pushing to reassert congressional oversight and limit executive flexibility amid Trump’s America First agenda.
The measure advanced amid chaos on the floor, fueled by several Republican absences that left the GOP’s slim majority vulnerable. With recent vacancies from the death of Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) and the resignation of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), Republicans could afford only minimal defections or no-shows on key votes.
Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-Texas) was notably absent for initial proceedings, including two earlier key votes—one on a procedural measure tied to spending legislation that passed by a single vote. Hunt, who has missed a significant number of votes in recent months (87 in 2025 alone, or about 25.1% of measures), was campaigning in Texas for a Senate primary challenge against Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas).
His absence forced GOP leadership, including Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), to hold votes open longer than usual, creating disarray.
Other Republicans, such as Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) and Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.), also missed earlier votes but arrived in time. The resolution came perilously close to passing—nearly by a one-vote margin—before Hunt rushed back to Washington and cast the deciding vote to kill it, preventing Democrats from scoring a major PR win and symbolic restraint on Trump’s ability to act decisively against threats in America’s backyard.
Sen. Cornyn took to X to criticize Hunt, noting that while the congressman’s vote wasn’t ultimately needed for other priorities like the spending package, his tardiness “nearly handed Democrats a PR coup and created chaos on the House floor.”
Hunt’s office pushed back strongly, stating: “Zero bills, resolutions, or GOP priorities have been delayed or stopped because of Rep. Hunt’s priority to barnstorm Texas to retire John Cornyn.” They emphasized that Hunt left the campaign trail, returned urgently, and delivered the vote that “nuked the radical Democrats’ plan to block President Trump from securing the Western Hemisphere.”
Speaker Johnson acknowledged the complications, saying Hunt’s absence “did not make his job any easier.” Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) has previously dismissed similar War Powers Act efforts as a “power grab by Congress against the commander in chief.”
The administration has consistently maintained that no U.S. boots are on the ground in Venezuela, framing operations as targeted and necessary to counter threats from socialist regimes and narco-trafficking networks in the region.
This near-miss underscores the fragility of the Republican House majority and the risks posed by intraparty distractions, including high-profile primary challenges. As President Trump continues aggressive moves to protect U.S. interests abroad—while Democrats seek every opportunity to tie his hands—the episode serves as a reminder that unity and attendance are critical to advancing the America First agenda against relentless opposition.
How to Prepare for Food Emergencies if You Don’t Have a Homestead or Bunker
In an unpredictable world, where supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, or economic instability can strike without warning, having a reliable food supply is more than just smart—it’s essential for survival. Whether you’re a “prepper” or not, we all know the golden rule: self-sufficiency is key. But what if you’re living in an apartment, working long hours, or simply don’t have the land to turn into a thriving homestead? Don’t worry; there’s a practical, effective way to build your food security without needing acres of soil or a fortified bunker.
The Ideal Prep: Building Your Own Food Empire
The ultimate dream for any serious prepper is controlling your own food production. Imagine waking up to a sprawling garden bursting with fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs—tomatoes ripening on the vine, potatoes ready to harvest, and greens that provide nutrition year-round. Add in livestock like chickens for eggs and meat, and you’ve got a self-sustaining system that keeps your family fed no matter what chaos unfolds outside.
This approach isn’t just about calories; it’s about resilience. A well-maintained garden can yield hundreds of pounds of produce annually, while a small flock of chickens might produce dozens of eggs weekly. It’s empowering, cost-effective in the long run, and teaches invaluable skills like crop rotation, animal husbandry, and preservation techniques. If you have the space, time, and resources, starting small and scaling up is the best path to true independence.
The Reality Check: Not Everyone Can Homestead
But let’s face it—not all of us are in a position to go full homesteader. Urban dwellers might be limited to a balcony or community plot that’s far from sufficient for long-term needs. Busy professionals juggling jobs, families, and daily life often lack the hours required for daily tending. And for those in apartments, condos, or regions with harsh climates, raising livestock or maintaining a large garden simply isn’t feasible. Factors like zoning laws, soil quality, water access, or even physical limitations can make this ideal out of reach.
That’s where the frustration sets in. You want to be prepared, but without a homestead or bunker, how do you ensure your pantry doesn’t run dry during a prolonged crisis? The good news is, you don’t have to sacrifice your preparedness goals. There’s a smart, accessible alternative that bridges the gap: investing in high-quality, long-term storage food.
The Smart Alternative: Long-Term Storage Food from Heaven’s Harvest
Long-term storage food is designed for exactly these scenarios—providing nutrient-dense, shelf-stable meals that last for decades without refrigeration or special conditions. It’s the perfect solution for preppers who can’t rely on fresh production but still demand reliability and variety in their emergency stockpile.
At Heaven’s Harvest, they specialize in premium survival food kits that make preparedness effortless. Their products are crafted with the prepper mindset in mind: non-GMO, made in the USA, and packed with real ingredients that taste like home-cooked meals, not bland rations. Whether you’re stocking up for a short-term blackout or a long-haul SHTF event, our kits offer:
- Extended Shelf Life: Up to 25 years of storage, so you can buy once and forget about rotation worries.
- Nutritional Balance: High-protein entrees, fruits, vegetables, and dairy alternatives to keep your energy up and health intact.
- Ease of Preparation: Just add water, and you’ve got hearty meals like beef stroganoff, chili mac, or cheesy lasagna ready in minutes—no garden weeding required.
- Customizable Options: From individual buckets to family-sized kits, scale your supply to fit your needs and budget.
- Peace of Mind: Sealed in durable, waterproof containers that protect against pests, moisture, and light.
Unlike generic store-bought cans that spoil quickly or lack variety, Heaven’s Harvest focuses on quality and sustainability. Our food is freeze-dried or dehydrated to lock in flavor and nutrients, ensuring you’re not just surviving but thriving. And for those concerned about allergens or dietary preferences, we offer gluten-free and vegetarian options to keep everyone covered.
Why Wait? Secure Your Food Supply Today
Preparing for food emergencies doesn’t require a homestead or bunker—it requires action. By choosing long-term storage food from Heaven’s Harvest, you’re taking control in a way that fits your lifestyle. Start small with a 72-hour kit to test the waters, or go all-in with a year’s supply for ultimate security.
Visit Heaven’s Harvest today and use code “PATRIOT” for an exclusive discount on your order. Don’t let limitations hold you back; build your resilient future, one meal at a time. Your family will thank you when it matters most.
