The U.S. Senate is set to vote on a resolution aimed at limiting President Donald J. Trump’s power to conduct military strikes against drug cartels without congressional approval, following recent operations targeting Venezuelan drug traffickers in the Caribbean. The legislation, introduced under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, seeks to reassert legislative oversight over military actions but faces strong opposition from the White House.
The measure comes after four U.S. military strikes on vessels linked to Venezuelan drug networks in the Caribbean resulted in 21 deaths and the seizure of narcotics. The Trump administration has defended the operations as necessary to counter armed threats posed by cartels, citing presidential authority under war powers. However, critics, including Senate Democrats Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA), argue the strikes risk escalating U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts without proper oversight.
Senators Kaine and Schiff emphasized concerns over setting a dangerous precedent, with Schiff warning that such actions could “unexpectedly and unintentionally” draw the nation into war. The resolution requires congressional authorization for future military strikes, but only Republican Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) has publicly supported it. Other lawmakers, including Mike Rounds (R-SD), defended Trump’s decisions as constitutional responsibilities, while Kevin Cramer (R-ND) questioned the administration’s transparency.
The White House has signaled it will veto the bill if passed, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging senators to reject it. Despite bipartisan backing from some Republicans, the measure is expected to fail, highlighting deep divisions over executive power and military intervention. The vote is scheduled for Wednesday evening at 6:45 PM.
