Democratic Senators Adam Schiff of California and Tim Kaine of Virginia are seeking to prompt a vote this week on a resolution aimed at limiting U.S. military strikes against boats near Venezuela. The proposed measure follows recent military actions that the administration has linked to narcotics trafficking. According to reports from The Hill, Schiff’s spokesperson confirmed the timeline for the vote on Monday.
The resolution is grounded in the War Powers Act and comes after the Pentagon’s latest military strike on a vessel off the coast of Venezuela. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the strike resulted in the deaths of four individuals classified as “narco-terrorists.” The ongoing military operations have raised significant concerns regarding legal justifications for such actions.
While the resolution faces challenges in the GOP-controlled House and Senate, it aims to officially record lawmakers’ positions on the issue. Schiff emphasized the constitutional authority of Congress to declare war. He pointed out that while both the legislative and executive branches share a commitment to combat drug trafficking, unilateral military actions could lead to unwarranted military entanglements. “Blowing up boats without any legal justification risks dragging the United States into another war,” Schiff stated upon introducing the resolution last month.
Military Actions and Responses
Reports indicate that the U.S. military has conducted four strikes in the Caribbean Sea against vessels purportedly operated by drug cartels. The White House claims that these operations have resulted in the deaths of 21 individuals. Hegseth noted that the vessel targeted in the latest strike was affiliated with a designated terrorist organization within the U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility.
According to the Pentagon, the strike occurred in international waters, and no U.S. military personnel were injured during the operation. Hegseth asserted, “Our intelligence, without a doubt, confirmed that this vessel was trafficking narcotics.” He pledged that operations would continue until drug-related attacks on American citizens cease.
The military strikes have sparked broader discussions about U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts. In a recent address to U.S. service members aboard the USS Harry S. Truman, former President Donald Trump declared the U.S. at war with drug cartels, which he designated as terrorist organizations. Trump justified the military actions, stating, “In recent weeks, the Navy has supported our mission to blow the cartel terrorists the hell out of the water.” He added, “You can’t find any boats in the water anymore. We’re having a hard time finding them.”
As the situation evolves, the resolution proposed by Schiff and Kaine will be closely monitored for its implications on U.S. military policy and congressional authority. The outcome may influence future military engagements and the legislative landscape surrounding U.S. actions in the region.