A tense scene unfolded in the House of Representatives as Representative Wesley Hunt’s absence threatened to derail a key Republican objective regarding Venezuela. The Texas congressman, deeply engaged in a competitive Senate primary campaign back home, was initially nowhere to be found during crucial votes on Thursday, sparking concern among party leaders.
The stakes were unexpectedly high. A bipartisan resolution aimed at restricting President Trump’s authority regarding military action in Venezuela was poised to pass – by a single vote. Hunt’s vote was the linchpin, and his delayed arrival created a moment of palpable anxiety on the House floor.
He arrived twenty minutes late, rushing into the chamber just as the Venezuela resolution was being considered. The margin was razor-thin, and his presence ultimately prevented a significant political victory for Democrats. The near miss underscored the fragility of the Republican majority, already strained by recent departures.
Before casting his vote, Hunt offered an unusual explanation for his tardiness, expressing concern for the well-being of colleagues and staff facing an impending snowstorm. He repeatedly urged everyone to “be safe” as he hurried away immediately after voting, seemingly prioritizing the weather forecast over legislative debate.
Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged the difficulty Hunt’s absence created, particularly following an earlier close vote the party had narrowly won. The situation was further complicated by recent vacancies in the House, leaving Republicans with an extremely narrow margin for error.
This wasn’t an isolated incident. Throughout his time in Congress, Hunt has consistently missed a significant number of votes. Last year alone, he was absent for 87 votes – over a quarter of all measures considered. These absences included votes on sensitive issues like condemning antisemitism and addressing deepfake pornography.
While his office maintains that Hunt has been careful to avoid missing critical votes, and that leadership initially indicated his presence wasn’t needed in Washington, the events of Thursday raised serious questions. They argued he left his Senate campaign trail specifically to secure the vote on Venezuela.
The situation hasn’t gone unnoticed by his opponent in the Senate race, John Cornyn. Cornyn sharply criticized Hunt’s behavior, highlighting the chaos and potential for a Democratic “PR coup” that Hunt’s absence nearly created. He emphasized the precariousness of the Republican position and the risk posed by Hunt’s frequent absences.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing House leadership as they navigate a deeply divided Congress and a shrinking majority. Every vote counts, and the absence of even one member can have significant consequences, particularly when a competitive Senate campaign calls a representative home.
