Summary

Prohibits the use of funds by the Department of Defense or any other U.S. department or agency to conduct "hostilities" with respect to Venezuela unless Congress later enacts a specific statutory authorization or provides authorization consistent with the War Powers Resolution. The bill defines "hostilities" broadly to include any use of lethal or potentially lethal force (including remote force) and preserves limited exceptions for U.S. self-defense, defense of U.S. forces or personnel, lawful counternarcotics operations that do not amount to hostilities, and humanitarian assistance to the people of Venezuela.

• Prohibits federal funds from being used to conduct "hostilities" with respect to Venezuela unless Congress specifically authorizes such hostilities later.
• Defines "hostilities" broadly to include any use of lethal or potentially lethal force by U.S. forces, including remote force and intermittent actions.
• Preserves exceptions for U.S. self-defense, defense of U.S. forces or personnel, lawful non-hostile counternarcotics operations, and humanitarian assistance.
• Does not appropriate new funds; it restricts how existing and future appropriations may be used for military actions involving Venezuela.
• Does not override the War Powers Resolution; that statute remains applicable alongside this funding restriction.
• Requires agencies and military planners to assess whether proposed actions constitute "hostilities" and therefore would be barred absent congressional authorization.
• Narrows executive-branch flexibility to use force against Venezuela without prior congressional approval except in specified limited circumstances.
• Covers remote uses of force (such as drone strikes) as potentially falling within the prohibition.